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“Roof of the World” in the Pamirs. A Summer Festival of Global Ethnic Music Will Be Held in Tajikistan

This summer, for two days, the central park of Khorog will resonate with ethno-music as it hosts the 18th International Festival of Culture and Tourism “Roof of the World”—the largest live ethnic music event in Tajikistan.

Thousands of music lovers will gather for this celebration in the capital of Gorno-Badakhshan, not only from across Tajikistan but also from neighboring countries and beyond.

The festival takes place in the Pamirs—often called “The Roof of the World,” which also inspired the name of this vibrant music event. Music is deeply woven into the fabric of life here; for the Pamiri people, it’s inseparable from daily existence. It’s hard to find someone in this region who doesn’t know how to sing, dance, or play a musical instrument.

Folk ensembles from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, the USA, and Germany will come to showcase their art. The organizers promise a complete immersion into the rich diversity of cultural and artistic expression.

The festival program is packed and diverse, offering much more than just traditional dances, music, and theatrical performances. Guests will get a chance to sample the exotic cuisine of the Pamir people, while local fairs will feature authentic musical instruments and handicrafts. Aspiring musicians will benefit from master classes by seasoned artists, and participating countries will present thematic documentaries about their traditions and culture.

The festival is tentatively scheduled for July 19–20, 2025.

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