Heaven Between Two Mountains: May / June 2024

HEAVEN

B E T W E E N T W O M O U N T A I N S

F E A T U R I N G

U S - T A J I K - A F G H A N

F R I E N D S H I P

N E W T A J I K P O E T R Y

S U M M E R I N T A J I K I S T A N

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

US, TAJIK + AFGHAN FRIENDSHIP

“What does the USA Mean to You?” by ASD Visitors

“Holidays in the US, Tajikistan, + Afghanistan” by Azada Rahimi and Yasmin Rahimova

“Education in the US +Tajikistan” by Omina Amirkhojazoda

“Art from ASD Visitors”

POETRY

Original poetry from Muhammadali Nurullozoda, Naira Akmalova, and Jamshed Hakimov.

Poetry analysis by Yusof Shokohyan.

SUMMER

IN TAJIKISTAN & BEYOND

“Summer in Tajikistan” by Freshta Iltafi “Summer in Afghanistan” by Faiza Said “Art from ASD Visitors: May 9th”

17

23

“Advice for Students: Interviews” by Zuhal Bashiri and Benazir Muradi

CREDITS 31

Contributors

Information About the American Space in Dushanbe

MAY

By Jamshed Hakimov again

are walking in the rain ng , shouting all the

Russian translation by Yasmin and Bilol

Dari translation by Freshta Iltafi, Waseem Nazarzai Azada Rahimi

“What does the USA mean to you?”

DUSHANBE, MAY/JUNE 2024

TAJIKAFGHANAMERICAN FRIENDSHIP

“Holidays Across Afghanistan, Tajikistan, & the U S ”

“Education in the USA & Tajikistan”

WHATDOES THEUSAMEAN TOYOU?

We asked ASD visitors what they think of studying English, their clubs at the American Space, and TajikAfghan-American friendship. These were their answers!

“It’s my dream country. Imagining that I am walking through American streets is something magnificent. Sociable people, happy faces, and their hospitality make me love and adore America ”

16, Tajikistan

WHYSTUDYENGLISH?

“I study English because it’s useful and also for studying abroad. My favorite thing is that there are a lot of people in the ASD with very big plans. It’s very inspiring. There are also a lot of interesting clubs here, for example: debate club. The culture of the US is very interesting and diverse. I adore America, because there is good education there and a good world view.”

- YasminRahimova

17, Tajikistan

“I study English because it’s an international language. My favorite thing about the ASD is the amazing people and clubs such as Public Speaking Club, Magazine Club, and Writing Club. I also really, really love the free WiFi. I am really interested in American traditions, American cities, and people.”

23, Afghanistan -AzadaRahimi

“My name is Fresta Iltafi. I am from Afghanistan. I am 16 years old. I love to learn English because it’s my desire and one of my favorite languages of all time. One thing that I love the most about the ASD is that it brings all people together without considering their religion, skin, and so on. All together, they make a brilliant environment. I love everything about America. It’s one of my favorite countries of all time. Because of its power, people, and more, I am obsessed with it.”

“I study English for global communication – English is widely spoken around the world, making it a useful language for international communication. So, my favorite club at the ASD is Public Speaking Club. I am also interested in American culture because of fast food: chicken, burgers, and pizza.”

“I study English to improve my communication skills and broaden my opportunities for education and employment.”

“I study English to learn a new culture.”

“I study English because I want to go abroad. I like Debate Club and Global Culture Club in the ASD. I’m interested in the US for freedom and also because of its beaches. I like everything about America.”

““My favorite thing about the ASD? I like Magazine club because it is very good and I can draw.”

We asked ASD visitors what they think of studying English, their clubs at the American Space, and TajikAfghan-American friendship. These were their answers!

WHATDOES THEUSA MEANTO YOU?

“Starting with my name, I’m Zuhal Bashiri and I’m 15 years old and my hometown is in Afghanistan. Well, the reason I study English is because English is the most famous language which is being used all over the world. For me, English is a sweet language… The American Space is a place where we can improve our communication skills and problem-solving skills as well as public speaking skills. If I talk about seeing my own improvement, public speaking is the best choice for me to have good leadership and speak well in front of a lot of people without stress and with high confidence… I love American culture and people because they’re very friendly, honest, and kind, as well as educated people. It gives me good vibes the way they celebrate New Year’s, Halloween, Independence Day, and many other celebrations.”

“My name is Maryam Aslampoor. I’m 15 years old and I’m from Badakhshan in Afghanistan. When I was seven years old, I started learning English. I want to study English because English is my favorite language and English is an international language. Also, English is very useful in the world. My favorite thing from the American Space is the clubs and also I love the American Space because I can learn English in the American Space. I am really interested about America because it’s the country that I want to travel to. I really like the American people and I love the capital of America, Washington.”

ZuhalBashiri

“My name is Ghazal Rezaee. I’m 15 years old. Originally I am from Kabul, Afghanistan. Currently I live in Vahdat, Tajikistan, with my family of five people. When I was in Afghanistan I was in 7th grade, which is why I didn’t graduate from school. But when we came here to Tajikistan I went to some courses and I participate in some clubs to boost my English and improve my education. I have been studying English for about eight months, or maybe a little more than that. I study English because it is an international language and also one of my big goals is to go to the USA after I finish my university…

I mean, America is a lovely country with lovely, hospitable, and polite people. I love everything about America: the way they talk, the way they wear their clothes, and their language is so sweet. However, to be honest I don’t have more information about this country, but every day I talk with American people in the American Space so every day I learn more special things about Americans and their culture…

About Tajikistan? Tajikistan has diverse and beautiful places for sightseeing and visiting. Like, one of them is Nurek, which I visited with my family, my friends, and my relatives. We had an amazing time together. About their famous foods, I just know osh (I mean, rice), that they put some carrots in with the rice, which is delicious…

One thing that I forgot about American people: American people are so kind. Like, now I am living in Tajikistan, and they made the American Space for Afghan and Tajik people. With the help of these clubs we are improving our English. I am very thankful for my teachers that they come and teach us English. This is everything I know about these two beautiful countries, America and Tajikistan.”

-GhazalRezaee

15, Afghanistan

WHATDOESUSTAJIK-AFGHAN

FRIENDSHIPMEANTO

YOU?

HOLIDAYS IN TAJIKISTAN, AMERICA, & AFGHANISTAN

Written by Azada Rahimi

Edited by Alex Tabari

T A J I K I S T A N

In Tajikistan many holidays are celebrated such as Nowruz, Independence Day, Women’s Day, and more. One of the greatest holidays is Nowruz, which has been celebrated since ancient times. Nowruz means “new day”. It is the first day of spring. Nowruz is the most important festival in Tajikistan. In Nowruz people wear traditional clothes and children play traditional games like jumping, running, jogging, chess, etc. Women make some traditional food such as sabzi, samsa, samanak, and polo. Whatever you want, they will cook it during Nowruz. Last but not least, families gather for a meal and visit ancient places.

A F G H A N I S T A N

T H E A U T H O R :

“My name is Azada Rahimi. I am from Foryob, Afghanistan and I am Uzbek I am 23 years old. I study Economics in Tajikistan and I really like reading.”

The most important holidays in Afghanistan are mostly Islamic holidays such as Eid-al-Fitr, EidAdha, and others. Eid has also been celebrated for a very, very long time. What people do in these days is that they buy new clothes. Children get money from their parents. Girls gather for parties where they will talk and will spend time together. Women prepare a lot of different desserts to give to guests. It is celebrated for three days.

T H E U N I T E D S T A T E S

The United States has public holidays such as New Year’s Day on January 1st, Washington’s birthday on February 13th, Thanksgiving, and others.

What are some New Year’s traditions? Families gather to share a meal and “ring in the New Year.” Americans also enjoy the tradition of watching the New Year’s festival in Times Square. It is a national holiday in the United States.

Thanksgiving is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. Family and friends gather for a meal. Traditional food in America often includes turkey and pumpkin pie.

- Azada

COMPARING HOLIDAYS ACROSS COUNTRIES:

EID & HALLOWEEN

Written by Yasmin Rahimova

Edited by Ahmad Shoaib Saedi

R A M A D A N

There are many interesting holidays in Tajik culture from a long time ago. One of these is Ramadan. Ramadan in Tajikistan is a time of spiritual purification, joy, and unity. During Ramadan, especially during iftar, families gather for conversation and food. People spend more time in mosques.

Ramadan is a holiday when people get rid of unnecessary thoughts by purifying their thoughts and of course fasting. This is important for self-discipline as well. Helping those in need, and doing good deeds, is also an important part of Ramadan. Mosques also hold special prayers which last the entire month of Ramadan, called Tarawih prayers. In Tajikistan, “Shabi Kadr” is also celebrated with special focus. This is the night of predestination (the 27th day of Ramadan).

E I D A L - F I T R

The end of Ramadan is celebrated with the Eid al-Fitr holiday. This holiday is started by children who get up early in the morning and go to each other, to neighbors, and to relatives. Sweets are collected. When they enter each house they say: “Eid mubarak!” They often start eating candies right away. It resembles Halloween.

Men gather in mosques to offer prayers for Eid. Then they go to cemeteries and pray for those who have passed away. Others go to relatives and read Dyat in their homes. Young girls gather and go to houses where weddings have recently been held. They evaluate the bride’s outfits and skills (greeting skills, cooking skills, and attentiveness to guests). Next, the women go to each other to discuss the latest news. They usually go to their neighbors or relatives. The best part for children and teenagers is when older relatives come to congratulate them by giving them money.

The day before Eid, all the people clean their houses. In each family, new clothes are prepared, and in some houses the women bake bread in a tandoor (degdon). During Eid, the women in each neighborhood gather at home in the early morning to set up tables (Dastarkhon). In each spread there must be: Nishollo, dates, homemade bread (kulcha), some types of samanak, sambusa, and, of course, hot tea.

H A L L O W E E N

Halloween is one of the most beloved and vibrant holidays in America. It is celebrated on October 31.

The main Halloween tradition is dressing up in costumes. Children and adults choose a variety of costume ideas, from scary monsters to their favorite characters in movies and books.

Another key tradition is trick-or-treating: Children go house to house, knock on doors, and shout “Trick or treat!”

Americans decorate their homes with pumpkins, cobwebs, skeletons, ghosts, and other scary items. Others carve Jacko’-Lanterns from pumpkins. A candle is placed inside the pumpkin, and the face of the pumpkin glows in the dark.

Halloween in America is a fun and slightly creepy holiday that gives people the opportunity to show off their imaginations and have fun.

There are many customs in common between the holidays Halloween and Eid Al-Fitr, like the way that children go to visit each other and the way people dress up in new clothes.

- Yasmin

T H E A U T H O R :

“My name is Yasmin Rahimova. I’m 17 years old. I’m from Dushanbe, Tajikistan. I like to play piano and draw pictures. I also know the Korean language, and their culture, food, and traditions are very interesting to me. I’m going to enter MGU university this fall, studying International Relations. There, I want to become more active and take part in interesting events. In the future I want to travel and visit many countries.”

Educationinthe US&Tajikistan

As everyone knows, the United States is popular for its education. Many teenagers dream of studying there. However it is not easy for us The US is well-known for its tough education system. Its style of education is significantly different from Tajikistan’s education.

For example, in the United States, children have the freedom to pick subjects which they want to study. Each semester, they change subjects. Children go to school from Monday to Friday. School days are about 180 days per year. Schools start in late August and finish in early June.

In the US, there are two types of school: public schools and private schools. Public schools are usually free. Otherwise, people sometimes pay a very low amount for it, usually for their food and books. It costs about $100-700 for all expenses each year Private schools, however, are usually expensive. Some are even as expensive as universities. In the US teachers are really good at their jobs.

In the US, children do not wear unifrms in school. Every school has school buses, but many children do not use them. They either have their own car or their parents give them a ride. In the US, children go to school until 12th grade. After they graduate school they go to college or universities. At schools most children learn French or Spanish in addition to English.

Written by Omina Amirkhojazoda

Edited by Alex Tabari

In Tajikistan public schools are usually free. However, we spend money for personal taxes and fees, which is about 100-800 somoni per year. Private schools are usually more expensive. In each school children wear uniforms. Every private school has its own uniforms. In all public schools, however, everyone wears the same uniform.

Schools in Tajikistan start on 1st September and finish on 1st June. Children in Tajikistan go to school from Monday to Saturday. In Tajikistan there are about 250 days of school per year.

Here children study until 11th grade In Tajikistan if you want to study in college you should prepare your documents and pass exams. Then, when you finish 9th grade, you can go to college. In Tajikistan besides our mother tongue (Tajik), we learn Russian and English. Because of this many people in Tajikistan know Russian and speak Russian well.

Education in Tajikistan and in the US are very different. They have very few things in common. But we hope that in the future schools will be as good as in the US!

- Omina

ARTFROMTHEASD

US-TJK-AFG FRIENDSHIP

DUSHANBE, MAY/JUNE 2024

TAJIK + AFGHAN POEMS

By Naira Akmalova

& by Amir Khusrau, with analysis by Yusof Shokohyan

By Muhammadali Nurullozoda

Love Poem

The following poem was written in Tajik by Muhammadali Nurullozoda and translated to English by a team of ASD visitors, including Kiana, Jahongir, and Muhammadali himself. Muhammadali Nurullozoda is 23 years old and a frequent visitor to the ASD. He is from Faizobod.

Hey source of pain, you do not have any mercy, don’t say anything bad that hurts me.

азо.

Дору надорам як нафас, афтодаам дар як қафас, ороми

қ

теғи абрувони ту, тарсам қасам бар чони ту, мушкил биггашт

Right now you own my heart, I am crazy about you. With you I have a hundred intentions, waiting for the day of judgment.

All I have left is a breath. I fell down into your cage. My dear, it is enough, it won’t change our destiny.

The sting of your eye is as sharp as a knife. I am afraid, I swear your easy becomes my difficult. I am on the Earth and you are in the sky.

The beginning of my end arrived. My soul bought that sting of your eye. My soul left my body, and I agreed to my death.

You broke your agreement, and you are looking for somebody else, and I don’t believe you are tired because you are always arguing with me.

Peacefully, I call you. I am a man of my word. I sacrificed my soul, but you oppressed me.

аз мохи осмон бехтари, бас

ҳарфи видо.

Мушкил кушодаҳам нашуд ғам андаке ҳам кам нашуд, чун як нафас ҳамадам нашуд, бар мо намебинад раво.

Аз дили дарё то унқи шаб, беихтиёру бе

сабаб, дар фикр фуру рафтам ачаб , охир кучо кардам хато.

The moon is ashamed of your face. The flower became poor from your scent. By dreaming of your hair, it is a pity I was wrong.

If Majnu had seen you, he would forget Lyleh. If your face comes to show, it will be healing for sick souls.

If I want or I don’t want, you are going. You are taking my peace with you. You are better than the sky.

It is too much to hear of you going somewhere. Problems didn’t resolve, and sadness didn’t disappear. One breath and she is gone. She thinks of me as undeserving of her love.

Дилат зи санг бошад магар, аз ҳоли ман

дори хабар. якбор накарди ту назар, гуфтам равам гуфти

From the heart of the river to the middle of the night, without any intention and reason, I sink in thought, and I was amazed. Where did I make a mistake?

Is your heart stone? Do you know my life? Once you didn’t look at me, I wanted to go to you and you said no.

You fired my soul, and wrote sadness into my heart, and burned my soul and body and I say this from my heart: “Sadness, go away from my heart and let me stay on my feet.” Without any agreement to sadness, this sadness will never let me free.

LOVING SOMEONE

Poem By Naira Akmalova

The time neglects a person ’ s right,

To be with the one they saw on sight

Or with the one who owns their heart

No force should take this right apart

Today become and then to last,

A mate or lover, to someone.

I want to be there when you ’ re near

Share my hopes which are so dear

And talk about the greatest price

On how we become each other's last,

An ocean ’ s depth, insight to find

And guess the feeling when we dive.

The curse has destiny become

We must wait for the right outcome

At least, let’s share the lofty sky!

But there’s no one here when you ’ re near,

And no one talking about the light Which was coming from your heart.

M E E T N A I R A

Naira Akmalova, a 16-year-old girl from Dushanbe, is inspired to write poetry about struggles in society and the meaningfulness of nature and people’s lives.

“Amir Khusrau was a famous musician, Sufi singer, and poet. The poem was about love. I like poems, which is why I researched about poems and learned from famous poets. For me, this poem is important to explain my love to my partner.”

- Yusof Shokohyan

PersianClassics: “IBecomeYou”

by Amir Khusrau

кто-бы не говорил после этого Я другой и ты другой

Rohina Faizy, Yusof Shokohyan, and Seyar Salehi. Я стал тобой, а ты мной

I become you, you become me. I become the body, you become the soul.

So that no one would say after this. I’m no longer you, you ’ re no longer me.

English Translators

Russian Translator

Kamila Najimiddinova

Poem

SCHOOL’S OUT FOR SUMMER

Advice for Graduating Students

Summer in Afghanistan

Summer in Tajikistan

SUMMER IN TAJIKISTAN

Everyone’s all-time favorite season: Summer. The season of bright sun, pure blue sky, roaring rivers, hot and beautiful weather, and nature; a season of holidays, fruits, vegetables, cold drinks, ice-creams and so on…

Sure, all countries have these things during the season, but Tajikistan is especially beautiful. It should be counted among the best countries for having an amazing summer.

Written by Freshta Iltafi

Edited by Nushin Nazarzoda

SUMMER TRADITIONS

In this country, women usually wear summer clothes made of cotton. They are designed in many different beautiful ways, using bright colors like purple, red, pink, blue, and green. Men usually wear loose tops or T-shirts with comfortable pants.

So, one might ask, what is it that makes Tajikistan so uniquely beautiful during the summer?

NATURAL BEAUTY

It is well know that Tajikistan is surrounded by mountains. Covering about 93% of the land, they help the country’s temperature to stay balanced (not too hot nor too cold) in summer. Beside this, the country has plenty of trees, young plants and rivers that keep it beautiful and balance the weather. Tajikistan’s rivers, like the Vakhsh, Amu, Pamir, and Kafringan also have a great impact in cooling down the temperature in summer. This also gives us different kinds of fish, for instance, which people can enjoy in either their houses or in picnics in the summer.

Just like in other countries, there are plenty of small shops selling ice cream and cold drinks everywhere on the streets of Tajikistan.

People usually go to Rudaki Park (in Dushanbe) or to Varzob or even all the way to Karakul to have picnics with their family and friends and to enjoy their holidays each summer.

TOURISM

Each year we have lots of visitors coming to Tajikistan in summer just for the beautiful, balanced weather. People also come to see the government’s work in helping the city to stay nice and clean through the summer. Gardeners plant different colorful, beautiful flowers all along the streets and parks to create amazing views and green spaces.

I love summer in Tajikistan not just only for one or two reasons, but for several reasons: the beauty, the hospitality of people, fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish, sight-seeing and picnics, the clean and flower-filled streets, the enormous roaring rivers, the admirable mountains, and so on.

To finish, I want to give you a suggestion that you will never ever regret: if you have never ever visited Tajikistan before, come and visit Tajikistan in summer!

AbouttheAuthor

“I am Freshta Iltafi, from Parwan, Afghanistan. I’m 16 years old. I studied in Kardan International School located in Kabul, Afghanistan, but currently I live in Tajikistan. I love listening to music, reading books, and swimming. In the future, I want to become a successful businesswoman.”

SUMMER IN AFGHANISTAN

Written by Faiza Said

Edited by Nushin Nazarzoda

Summer in Afghanistan is different from in other countries because in summer students still go to schools and universities every day. They do not have a summer vacation. Instead of summer, the vacation is in winter Schools and universities in Afghanistan usually do not have good heating systems. Because of that, the schools are off for longer in the winter. However, after early summer exams the government announces that schools also get about 20 days off.

Afghanistan has very beautiful views in the summer. On the weekends most people go on picnics or go sight-seeing. Afghanistan has very high mountains and roaring rivers you can see, as well as different delicious fruits to eat in the summer

AbouttheAuthor

“I’m

Faiza Said I’m from Afghanistan My birthplace is Panjshir. I’m 27 years old.”

M A Y 9 T H

Art from ASD Visitors

Advice for Graduating Students

AboutOur Interviewers

BENAZIR MURADI

“Benazir is a student and she’s 15 years old. She’s from Afghanistan and one thing she likes is BTS. She is a big fan of BTS and always listens to their songs.”

ZUHAL BASHIRI

“To start with, my name is Zuhal Bashiri. I’m from Afghanistan and I am 15 years old. I like writing and the reason is that it makes me feel calm and chill. While writing you can improve your vocabulary and writing skills as well. I personally think it is a necessary skill for people.”

The school year ends this month… what sort of advice to American Space workers, volunteers, and visitors have for students?

Whatisyourname?

Ms. Nilofar. On work.

Whatthingsdoyouspend yourtimeonmostly?

Haveyouchosenanygoalsfor yourself?

As a teeanger, visiting countries, and now, searching for more interesting work opportunities. Working hard and having discipline. Whatisthebestadvicethat youcangiveforastudent abouttheireducation?

Whatthingsdidyoudoto achieveyourgoals?

Improving your communication skills and language [is very important].

Whatisyourname?

Introduceyourself.

Hiking, sports, reading books, new languages.

Julia. I work as a teacher. Whatdoyoudoinyourfree time? Whatareyourgoals?

Learn Russian and Tajik, find a job to help people

HowcanEnglishhelpyouin yourfuture?

Students can use English at university. You can read books in English, and it helps with connection and with communication.

Whatisyourname?

Introduceyourself. Jamshed.

From Dushanbe, 18 years old. Whatdoyoudoinyourfree time?

Playing and having fun.

Whatareyourgoals?

To be rich and help my parents when they retire.

Whatachievementsdoyou havefromanyprogramsor clubs?

Close friends, confidence, and leadership skills.

HowcanEnglishhelpyouin yourfuture?

It is a useful language. You can get new info, but also have fun.

Responses have been abbreviated by Zuhal and Benazir and edited for length and clarity.

“Goodlucktonew graduates!!!”

THANKS TO

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS

Nushin Nazarzoda

Ahmad Shoaib Saedi

Alex Tabari

EDITORIAL BOARD

Nahid Bigzad

Yosin Imomdodov

Muhammad Yakubov

ADVISORS

Julia Kempton

Kiana Khoshnoud

ASDMAGAZINECLUB@ GMAIL COM

PRIMARY CONTRIBUTORS

Naira Akmalova

Omina Amirkhojazoda

Zuhal Bashiri

Freshta Iltafi

Jamshed Hakimov

Benazir Muradi

Muhammadali Nurullozoda

Azada Rahimi

Yasmin Rahimova

Faiza Said

Yusof Shokohyan

TRANSLATION TEAM

Rohina Faizy, Freshta Iltafi, Jahongir, Bilol Kireev, Kamila

Najimiddinova, Waseem

Nazarzai, Azada Rahimi, Yasmin Rahimova, Seyar

Salehi, & Yusof Shokohyan

ARTISTIC TEAM

Zuhal, Sidatullo, Amina, Inora, Farzona, Akram, Farkhunda, Kamila, Sitora, Khadija, Sabrina, Ghazal, Raul, Cyril, Yosuman, Maryam, Tania, Yusuf, & Rohina

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Sayed Faisal

Yasmina Hasanova

Bilol Kireev

Waseem Nazarzai

HEAVEN BETWEEN TWO MOUNTAINS

Information about American Space Dushanbe:

American Space Dushanbe is a program of the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe. It offers free programming for youth and adults in Tajikistan to help them improve academically and professionally. It is located at Business Center Poytakht, 49 Mirzo Tursunzoda Street, 3rd floor. Follow us on Instagram at @AmericanSpaceDushanbe. This magazine was created by the ASD’s Magazine Club.