| Yaghnob Valley | |
|---|---|
| Дараи Яғноб, Яғнобдара | |
 | |
| Geography | |
| Location | Sughd, Tajikistan |
| Coordinates | 39°12′N 69°00′E / 39.2°N 69.0°E |
The Yaghnob Valley is a valley in north-west Tajikistan, between the southern slope of the Zarafshan Range and the northern slope of the Gissar Range.
The valley is formed by the Yaghnob River and belongs to the Zarafshan basin. It lies between 2,500 and 3,000 metres above sea level and is virtually inaccessible for six months of the year.
The valley is home to the Yaghnobi people, a people directly descended from the ancient Sogdian civilization of Central Asia. Due to its natural isolation and limited infrastructure access, the people of Yaghnob Valley have been able to preserve their distinct lifestyle, culture and language, Yaghnobi, which is closely related to ancient Sogdian. Pre-Islamic beliefs and customs are still found in the valley today. Currently, the valley comprises approximately ten settlements, each housing between three and eight families.[1]
- ^ "THE LOST WORLD OF THE YAGNOB". Archived from the original on 2016-09-20. Retrieved 2023-09-05.