Dushanbe

Dushanbe is the capital city of Tajikistan, a Central Asian nation bordering Afghanistan. Recent news highlights two key issues impacting the city and its residents. Firstly, following the Crocus City Hall attack in Moscow in March 2024, perpetrated by Tajik nationals, many Tajik workers have been expelled from Russia and returned to Dushanbe, facing unemployment and economic hardship. Photographer Zifan Zhang is documenting these struggles. Secondly, tensions are rising along the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border, with reports of attacks targeting Chinese businesses and workers within Tajik territory. While Dushanbe itself isn't directly on the border, these regional instabilities and the influx of returning workers significantly affect the city's socio-economic landscape, making it a focal point for understanding the consequences of both international events and regional security concerns.