Lambert Coleman

Photographer I Filmmaker

The path to resilient Khorog

“What makes Khorog unique is that the people who value Khorog take care of it, as well as the mountain.”- Goibnazar Gofurov, 62, an inhabitant of Khorog.

Khorog is a unique mountainous town, situated in the southern part of Tajikistan, bordering Afghanistan. This settlement is the starting point for discovering the Pamiri mountains, world-famous for its picturesque landscapes, beautiful landmarks, pristine nature and unique culture. When the conditions are optimal, the trip to Dushanbe, the capital city of Tajikistan – once one of the most remote republics of the Soviet Union – takes around 16 hours, following the northern bank of the Panj River. In winter, this road can be off for weeks due to snow and avalanches, cutting its 30,000 inhabitants and the Pamiri Valley from the rest of the world.

Photo-series financed by UN-Habitat Urban Lab and part of the documentation of the Khorog Urban Resilience Project, a collaboration between UN-Habitat and Aga Khan Agency for Habitat and SECO.

This documentation took place in Khorog, Tajikistan, in September 2022.

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A view of an area for pilot neighborhood.

A view of an area for pilot neighborhood.

“My first trip to Dushanbe was when I was 18 years old (1995), and it took me 24 hours. Now it takes only 12 hours” - Mamadrahimova Gulandom

“My first trip to Dushanbe was when I was 18 years old (1995), and it took me 24 hours. Now it takes only 12 hours” - Mamadrahimova Gulandom

Road from Khorog to Dushanbe, following the Panj river.

Shirinsho Zevarshoev. “More people are coming to Khorog, encountering globalization and cultural diversity. The city is changing, mainly it was quiet, it grew slowly. Now, I see rapid changes, more infrastructure is being built. I like the climate, the environment, people and attitude, but I dislike the transport system, poor isolation of buildings.” - Shirinsho Zevarshoev, 36, resident of Khorog.

Advertisement board for new housing constructions.

Shofiturova Jamila. “Khorog changed a lot, but the main changes are related to education. There are new universities, such as UCA (University of Central Asia). If I was a student again, I could apply for medical school and study in Khorog, whereas before it was not possible. I love Khorog, the landscapes, and the new buildings. Pedestrian linkages are missing, which makes access to some parts of the town difficult.” Shofiturova Jamila, 48, a gabion weaver.

View of the University of Central Asia, in Khorog, Tajikistan.

Bamoz Kaamchudoeva. “I like the springwater, the environmental weather, the mountains, botanical garden, but I do not have time to go there as you need a car. I would like to see wider roads, car parking, more benches, and a small factory. “ - Bamoz Kaamchudoeva, 32 years old,works as a secretary at the Khorog state university.

Street in the central area of Khorog.

Pedestrian bridge over the Gunt river, flowing through Khorog

Pedestrian pathway along the Gunt river bank.

Roundabout at the entrance of Khorog.

AKAH Internal Workshop with AKAH team and UN-Habitat at the Youth Centre.

AKAH Internal Workshop with AKAH team and UN-Habitat at the Youth Centre.

AKAH Internal Workshop with AKAH team and UN-Habitat at the Youth Centre.

Presentation to the deputy mayor and the city architect at the Youth Centre.

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Meeting with Shakhrofar at the Shakhrofar office in Dushanbe with UN-Habitat and AKAH team.

Ideation activity “MY Neighbourhood” with the youth.

Outcomes of the participatory activity.

Participatory session with women.

Drawing session with children in Khorog City Park.

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An idea of a playground, drawn by Mansoor.

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"Cultural values and people's kindness is makes Khorog unique." - Mamadrahimova Gulandom

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“I love Khorog” at the roundabout, at the exit of Khorog.