A long time ago, when Central Asia was ruled by 

tzars and shahs, on top of a hill, 

on the bay of the river Zeravshan, stood the 

ancient town of Penjikent.

 The town was filled with flowers, trees and 

grapevines.

People lived in houses decorated with beautiful wall-

paintings. 

From nice, strong wood people cut figures of 

animals, like horses and lions, and human beings.

The citizens of Penjikent were the Sogdians, the 

ancestors of Tajik people. The town of Penjikent was 

one of the most beautiful towns in ancient Sogd.

Sogdians believed that water was alive and 

treated it very nicely. 

They built temples for small streams and other 

sources of water.

The town was protected by a thick tall wall, 

because many people around it wanted to get 

control of Penjikent, due to its comfortable 

and beautiful houses, its talented people, 

craftsmen, and artists.

However, a day came when despite the thick 

wall enemies came, and being envious of 

Penjikent’s success burned the town. 

All flowers and trees died, the water 

disappeared. 

The once busy town streets became deserted.