Poll: 85% oppose the demolition of the “Rokhat” teahouse

According to a survey among Tajik social media users, 85% of respondents are against the demolition of the capital’s landmark, the teahouse “Rohat”.

The survey was conducted on February 6 in the group “Information for Reflection” – one of the most active Tajik groups on Facebook.

At the time of writing this article, 476 people participated in the survey. 407 people, or 85% of respondents, voted against the demolition of the teahouse “Rohat”, while only 15% expressed support for its demolition. Thus, the overwhelming majority of survey participants expressed their support for preserving this site.

Among those advocating for the demolition of the legendary and most famous teahouse in the capital – the teahouse “Rohat” – there are many supporters of the government of Emomali Rahmon. According to Alim Sherzamonov, they are using “political wisdom” in this matter.

Photo: Internet

On social media, users widely reacted to the demolition of the teahouse “Rohat”, which, according to the authorities, is planned in the General Plan of Dushanbe.

“This building is historical and important for all true Tajiks. It is a memory of our parents,” writes user Abdusamad Habib.

“This teahouse cannot be demolished,” writes user Sanifa Idris.

“The teahouse ‘Rohat’ is a page in the history of our people, as well as a historical complex. Many great figures of our nation are associated with the teahouse ‘Rohat’, including M. Tursunzade, Loik, Gulnazar, A. Mukhamadjonov, and dozens and hundreds of others. The teahouse ‘Rohat’ is closely linked to the development of Dushanbe, with the name of Dushanbe. They are inseparable. Only an enemy of the Tajik people, its history, and civilization could demolish this teahouse. Thousands of Tajikistanis cherish memories of the teahouse ‘Rohat’. It must be preserved as a historical building!” writes user Murtazoli Muradov.

“No new building with its ‘new splendor and luxury’ can replace ‘Rohat’. The teahouse ‘Rohat’ is the hallmark of the city of Dushanbe. It is history. It is memory. ‘Leave ‘Rohat’ alone!'”, writes Abdullokhi Umarion.

On February 5, the chairman of the Committee for Architecture and Construction of Tajikistan, Nizom Mirzozoda, supported the idea of demolishing the teahouse “Rohat”, emphasizing that new facilities will be built in its place.

“If we build another teahouse, name it ‘Rohat’, with the same architecture, with the same national patterns and ornaments, but even more beautiful and cleaner, what harm would that cause? Wouldn’t that be better? If we commission a government building, how will the teahouse ‘Rohat’ look against its backdrop? It is easy to talk and criticize, but one must be far-sighted,” said the chairman of the Committee for Architecture and Construction of Tajikistan.