This virtual cache is located at one of the most well-known landmarks and the most famous photo-taking spot in Dushanbe, the Ismoili Somoni Statue. Every visitor to the city will eventually pass by this spot. But instead of just passing by, take a few moments to stop, snap a photo and enjoy the scenery. Take a walk to the fountains just behind (West of) the statue for a nice view. This area comes alive after dark with many families coming out for a stroll.
How to Log the Cache
To log this cache you must post a photo of yourself or the scenery at the location. No photo = no log.
Как войти в Geocache? Чтобы войти в этот тайник, вы должны опубликовать фотографию себя или пейзажа на месте.
чӣ хел бозӣ кянед? Агар барои Geocache омаден, як гото гиред ва загрузить кунед.
NOTE: Do not climb the stairs of the monument. Security guards don't like that. Photos from street level are OK, and if you don't have a camera, a local photographer will take one for you (for a small fee).
Who was Ismoil Somoni?
Somoni was a Persian ruler born way back in 849 (Isma'il ibn Ahmad; 849-907) and whose leadership turned the Samanids (a Sunni Persian empire) into a powerful force geographically, economically and intellectually. When he took power in 892, he moved the capital from Samarkand to Bukhara (both in present-day Uzbekistan and majority Tajik). These areas grew to become the intellectual center of the Islamic world of the time with the largest population of any city in Central Asia and rivaling Baghdad in its glory.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Ismoil's legacy was rediscovered and the renaming began. Today, the currency of Tajikistan - the Somoni - is named after Ismoil. Also, the highest mountain in Tajikistan (and in the former USSR) is named after Ismoil.
Thanks for finding this cache. We hope you enjoy your stay in Dushanbe and learning about Tajik culture!
Virtual Rewards 2.0 - 2019/2020
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between June 4, 2019 and June 4, 2020. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 2.0 on the Geocaching Blog.