Baljuvon

BALJUVON DISTRICT – A MEMORY FROM ANCIENT CITIES

A brief historical information. Baljuvon was one of the oldest and biggest Tajik settlements. According to the historical findings and available information this land was a part of ancient Bokhtar, and was inhabited by the Aryan people. In ancient sources Bokhtar is named as the land of 100 cities and its center – Balkh – as the mother of cities (Umul bilad). As Baljuvon was a part of the territory of Bokhtar city, with regard to the etymology of the name “Baljuvon” the scholars and scientists still have different opinions. In the opinion and beliefs of the more experienced local elderly the term Baljuvon consists of the roots “bale” (bravo) and  “javon” (young). Thus, its meaning is “Bravo, young!”. According to this legend this land has given the to the Tajik nation many heroic, upright and strong-willed young men. This idea is wide-spread among the elderly and experienced generation of Baljuvon district. But according to the scholars and historians Baljuvon is a changed form of the word Balkhuvon or Balkhiyon (meaning Balkhians, or people of Balkh), and the historical findings emerged from the territory of the district confirm that this land was inhabited as early as in the Stone Age. According to the information available Baljuvon has a history of more than two thousand years, and as the saying goes, is known to be the mother of cities.  

Baljuvon is located on the altitude of 1380 meters above sea level. Its total area is 132662 hectares. The road from Baljuvon to the center of the republic — Dushanbe city – is 175 kilometers. The district is located in a great geographical site position, and maintains mild and cool climates all over the year.  

Today’s population of the district is 31,254 people, and they live in 5 communities and 104 villages.  

Indeed, is it possible to name Baljuvon district as a district of mountain rivers, crystal clear springs and green valleys. Because all of its mountain bases and hills are grassy, and its trees are evergreen. Soil in Baljuvon is mainly very suitable for agriculture and gardening, and the farming sector is also known as one of the developed areas in the district.  

People of Baljuvon have long been engaged in trade with Hissar, Darvaz and other areas, and its markets used to receive goods from Afghanistan, India and Russia and Tashkent. Geologists have found that in different parts of Baljuvon, there are reserves of petrol, gas, gold, silver and copper, as well as lead and salt are present. 

Attractive travelling areas. As it was mentioned, Baljuvon district has sight-seeing places and historical monuments as Qalaai Mir (16-19th centuries), Qalaai Chorbogh (Middle ages), Qalaai Tupkhona (1 B.C.), Kalaai Dektur (17-19^th  centuries), sites “Chanoro”, “Chavgoni”, “Dodi”, shrines of shah Akkosha, Iskandar, Hinchi Parvoz, Sangi sabz, Sohib Shohbakoi Tumori, Said Minhoji Mardi Vali, Shah Nematulloi Zarobi, Khoja Kutbiddin and settlements of the Stone Age in the villages Fayzobod and Shahidi Bobokhon, which evidence the ancient history of Baljuvon. 

In the district, there are as well as many water sources and other priceless natural resources, including 200 healing springs, fountains Pushti Boghi kamoli, Safedob, healing waters as «Gugird», «Kalaacha», «Bulghori», «Shuluk», springs as «Kaskhoh» «Hibil», rivers as Surkhob, Obi Mazor, Obi Tira, gorges as Angora, Shikeldara, Shingidara, Gandara, Shibdara, and in large, rare species of animals, medicinal herbs and species of large trees called «Shing» may be seen in the village Shingidara. One can also mention the Chanori juvozdor (plane tree with grinding house), which refers to a giant plane tree, the hollow large trunk of which is used as an indoor grinding shop for crops) in the Dashtarho village, which is a truly spectacular site of Baljuvon and its villages. 

As a matter of fact, international and local tourists, are attracted by the beautiful and beautiful and fantastic nature of the place Sari Khosor. The natural park of Sari Khosor has been established as a part of the National Park of the Republic of Tajikistan in the area of 3805 hectares, by the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan from October 25, 2003, number 475, to protect the flora and fauna of this area. 

Infrastructure service. There are 1 cultural center, 5 rural clubs, 1 central library, 6 rural libraries, 1 folks museum, 1 historical and cultural museum, 1 museum of Hero of the Soviet Union named after Saidqul Turdiyev, 6 architectural monuments, 8 historic monuments, 3 monuments of archaeology, 6 statue monuments in the district, and these cultural institutions all serve the people. 

In Baljuvon district there is currently a hotel in the rural community named by Safar Amirshoev, 10 small and large dining centers and other commercial and service centers available, which are owned by private entrepreneurs. Domestic and foreign tourists visiting the district may benefit from these centers. 

Folk craftsmanship and skills. Ancient and modern folk crafts are maintained and developed in Baljuvon district. These include carving of wooden dishes, pottery, jewelry, blacksmithing and others. Also, the talented women and young girls of the district are occupied with the crafts like embroidery, chakan sewing, veil making, slice sewing, atlas and adras weaving, wool sock knitting, carpet weaving, and prepare gifts and souvenirs for the guests of their homeland. Favorite food in the district are oshi burida, atola, oshi palav, shakarob, revich, fatirmaska, tutpiz, shirbirinj, shirraghan, chapoti breads, fatir and kulcha breads, tahmol, kalama, kurutob and similar.  

Indeed, Baljuvon district is an attractive touristic site, the people of which are very hospitable and sincere.  

The particularities of the district. District’s high mountains and beautiful waterfalls converging with the colors of the lawns, violets and mints by the water, and the sound of pouring waterfall and singing of the birds fascinates the person observing this scene, and realize that such captivating natural landscapes are rarely seen in other places of the world. There are also wild animals and birds inhabiting the mountain cliffs, which attract hunters from all over the world, to visit the district and go hunting by acquiring state permission from forest keeping department. 

For the tourists that are more into history, the site of Miri Baljuvon citadel, which has a history of over 250-300 years, is a favorite attraction. With these and its dozens of other features, the district has been put on the list of tourist destinations in Tajikistan, and has gained the status of international touristic site.