Strolling Rudaki Park In Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Dushanbe is the capital of Tajikistan and the country has created a nice, central park to celebrate its heritage and to provide a little green space for its people.

Photo-bombed by Ismail Samani, important amir from the 900s.

More pieces of grand ambition, a triumphal arch entrance and a super giant, marble map of what Tajikistan looked like in the 9th, 10th centuries.

Cosmic. Rudaki, a great author, writer, poet from the 8th century. The park is named for him.

Jumping about 10 centuries, a monument to current Tajikistan independence. Tall. Unfinished business. Awaiting renovation, Your Century Here.

Rudaki park is a nice respite from the urban grid of Dushanbe, especially the large lake area.

A Cemetery Outside Uchkuduk

Somehow Uchkuduk, a tiny mining town in the middle of nowhere, is big enough to locate its cemetery about 10 minutes out of town, way in the Kyzyl Kum Desert. Buried beyond the middle of nowhere.

Approaching the cemetery. Nothing, and then graves.

Arms race of appealing family mausoleums.

Inside a typical mausoleum, the traditional, simple Muslim grave mound and markers.

Cemented details. Soda bottles, permanent flower vases. Tea set, mounted.

Plenty of room for growth (death).