Тraditional tajik houses

Carpets, embroideries, suzani and quilted blankets are the main component in the interior of traditional Tajik houses, which create a special comfort in the rooms. In modern houses, familiar furniture is more often installed (sofas, armchairs, tables and chairs), but basically, in ordinary houses, guests are greeted at the table “dastarkhan”, in rooms decorated with beautiful textiles.

Snowdrops

In different regions of Tajikistan, the holiday of the first snowdrops is called differently. In the Pamirs, this is “Gulgardoni”, the Sughd region, calls the action – “Boychechak”, in the south of the republic, a colorful name was invented for the holiday – “Guli siyahgush”. But, despite the different names, children – the main character of the event, everywhere celebrate this holiday in exactly the same way.

The Republic of Tajikistan is a country of mountains. Wrapped up for the winter with a thick blanket of snow, the mountains and foothills do not throw off their snow-white clothes for a very long time, and only the first, gentle rays of the spring sun can melt them, revealing a tiny miracle – small amber heads of fragile flowers. These are snowdrops, the first, tender sprouts on thin stalks, breaking through from under the snow – an indisputable proof of the arrival of the long-awaited spring, which from time immemorial has served as an occasion for a great holiday for Tajiks.

The very first of the guys who found a snowdrop (tadzh. “boychechak”) is considered a real lucky one. The whole flock of children runs after him into the mountains to pick flowers and give them to mothers, sisters, teachers – all women, as a symbol of reborn life, a symbol of youth and beauty. Women, accepting a gift, put flowers to their eyes and thank the Almighty for waiting for spring, and treat children with sweets, fruits and pastries.

Then, in each family, a traditional pilaf is prepared, which is called “Oshi boychechak” and, according to tradition, collects all relatives and relatives.

The celebration is a kind of preparation for Navruz – the main holiday of spring.

Buzkashi. Goat-draping – equestrian competition

“Buzkashi” or in the Russian version – “goat-wrestling” is an equestrian competition, known since the time of Genghis Khan, which has not lost its relevance even after. Today, it is the most popular sport that requires courage, agility and strength from the participants. Almost all countries of Central Asia are familiar with this or that version of this game and are fighting for the right to call it their own. However, this action does not recognize any framework or borders, and Tajikistan can rightly be proud of its athletes – equestrians, who gave the ancient fun a new meaning.

Once upon a time, this passion was completely spontaneous. To compete in dexterity, strength and ability to stay in the saddle, family clans, entire villages or even districts often went out.

True, when thousands of riders gathered on the field, a crowd was created, and the elements of the game went unnoticed. That is why it was decided to form teams. At first they consisted of 12, then 10, 8 and 5 participants. Today, the optimal number of athletes is four, which is determined by international rules. However, the whole team consists of 10 players who constantly replace each other during the game, infusing fresh forces into the game. Still, after all, both riders and horses have a very difficult time, and in the full sense of the word, because the carcass of a goat (without a head) usually weighs 30-40, and sometimes 50-60 kg.

The rules of the game are very simple: participants from two competing teams need to pick up the carcass (“ulak”) from the ground as quickly as possible or take it away from the opponent and bring it into their own goal. All this must be done as many times as possible. The distance between the opponents’ goals is 300-400 m, and the playing field width is 20-30 m. After each “hit” into the goal, the “ulak” is returned to the center of the field. The rules allow you to take it away from opponents and transfer it to your players by any means.

It is strictly forbidden to tie the “ulak” to the saddle or to yourself, knock down the horses of rivals, frighten them, drive them away, hold them, beat them with whips, raise them on their hind legs. Only your horse is allowed to whip with a whip.

Game time – 15 minutes. However, if there is a draw on the field, then another 15 minutes are added, and if there are no results at all, then one player is selected from each team, who must decide the outcome of the meeting within 10 minutes.

Gushtingiri

Chavgonbozi – is the Tajik name for the game, which today is known all over the world as horse polo. Yes, yes, the game of the aristocratic elite of the West originates in Central Asia. The meaning of the game is to drive a wooden ball into the opponent’s goal, at full gallop of the horse, using a long wooden club. The game is played at a very fast pace on the court, the dimensions of which do not exceed 200×120 m. Two teams of riders compete, each of which consists of six riders: 4 attackers and 2 defenders.

The game is quite complicated technically, so the participants have to change the direction of movement often and abruptly, stop instantly, and then pick up speed with a jerk. Needless to say, this requires not only full contact with the horse and a confident seat in the saddle, but also dexterity, courage and an excellent eye. All this is an indispensable set of qualities of the participants of the competition, which allow them to confidently maneuver at high speed and accurately hit the ball, achieving remarkable results.

They say that the Tajiks of the Huf valley even had two versions of this game. The first, on horseback – “guibekht”, and the second, on foot – “putbekht”. According to medieval authors, Huf was generally famous for his players, and often, far beyond the borders of his native land.

Chavgonbozi

Chavgonbozi is the Tajik name for the game, which today is known all over the world as horse polo. Yes, yes, the game of the aristocratic elite of the West originates in Central Asia. The meaning of the game is to drive a wooden ball into the opponent’s goal, at full gallop of the horse, using a long wooden club. The game is played at a very fast pace on the court, the dimensions of which do not exceed 200×120 m. Two teams of riders compete, each of which consists of six riders: 4 attackers and 2 defenders.

The game is quite complicated technically, so the participants have to change the direction of movement often and abruptly, stop instantly, and then pick up speed with a jerk. Needless to say, this requires not only full contact with the horse and a confident seat in the saddle, but also dexterity, courage and an excellent eye. All this is an indispensable set of qualities of the participants of the competition, which allow them to confidently maneuver at high speed and accurately hit the ball, achieving remarkable results.

They say that the Tajiks of the Huf valley even had two versions of this game. The first, on horseback – “guibekht”, and the second, on foot – “putbekht”. According to medieval authors, Huf was generally famous for his players, and often, far beyond the borders of his native land.