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   all images © 2004, Lara Hill                                     close window

These photographs were taken during a 4-day Falak music festival held in the capital. Participants took part from Iran, Afghanistan, the Kyrgyz Republic and all over Tajikistan.

Falak literally translates as ‘cosmos’ or ‘universe’ and can also encompass the meaning ‘world’, ‘destiny’ or ‘fate’. It dates back many centuries and is an integral part of Tajik musical culture. The intension of this poetic/philosophical music is to describe a Tajik’s perception of the world through spirituality and understanding of human destiny and our place in nature. It recognizes our world for what it is, and our place within it, from a perspective of purity, justice, beauty and reason. Needless to say, this festival is only the surface expression of much more profound ideas and feelings.