The city of Dushanbe has been announced as the “Cultural Capital of Asia for 2026.” The designation of Dushanbe as Asia’s Cultural Capital was confirmed by the Asian Cultural Executive Council on November 28, 2025. This was stated by Bakhtiyor Sharifi, First Deputy Mayor of Dushanbe, during a press conference.
He noted that the purpose of declaring this title by the Asian Cultural Executive Council is to promote culture and civilization, enhance tourism opportunities, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and strengthen the cultural capacities of countries as a platform for intellectual and creative exchange and the idea of cultural unity.
“Dushanbe, the capital of the Republic of Tajikistan, currently has sister-city relations with 23 cities across Asia, Europe, America, and Africa, and with five cities—including Moscow, Tashkent, Beijing, Chengdu, and Hangzhou—has established cooperation in trade, economic, scientific-technical, and cultural fields based on intergovernmental agreements,” Bakhtiyor Sharifi added.
It was reported that Dushanbe’s foreign relations were further strengthened in 2025. The city’s enterprises and institutions established trade and economic relations with more than 62 foreign countries, including 52 distant countries and 10 member states of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Bakhtiyor Sharifi also emphasized that culture holds a special position as an important social sector in city policy, and authorities have implemented targeted measures to properly organize festivals and promote cultural development.
During the press conference, it was announced that between 2017 and 2025, 76 parks and gardens were constructed or renovated in Dushanbe. Currently, the capital hosts 17 cultural and recreational parks, one zoo, and the state institution “Independence Square.”