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Cultural Etiquette
Cultural Dos and Taboos
The traditional Muslim greeting is "A-salaam a-laykum" ("Peace be upon you"), to which the reply is "w-laykum o a-salaam" ("And upon you be peace").
Normally, one should be prepared to remove one's shoes before entering a building or a home. Also, among Muslim Tajiks, one should not walk on prayer mats, which will likely be present within homes.
There are also a number of prohibitions and customs involving food that one should consider in a country which is predominantly Muslim. While Tajikistan, like other Central Asian republics, tends not to be strict in terms of religion, an awareness of these matters could be useful. For example, one should also note that the consumption of alcohol or pork is not generally allowed under Islam.
Likewise, visitors are urged to acquaint themselves with the calendar and traditions of Islam, such as the fasting, daily prayer and practices. Praying five times daily, for example, is customary and affects the schedule of all events and practices in Muslim countries. During the period of Ramadan, for instance, fasting and prayer is mandatory for Muslims. Again, these practices may not be strictly considered in Tajikistan.
If one is invited into the home of a Tajik family, it is customary to take a gift to the host or hostess. Baked goods, chocolates, or a bag of sweets, are good choices. More elaborate offerings, such as a beautiful ornament, possibly from one's own country, would constitute an acceptable gift between business associates.
In conversation, good topic choices include Tajik history, current or modern achievements, sports and culture. Generally, discussions about politics or religion should be avoided. Before embarking upon any kind of business discussion, one should ask after one's counterpart's health and life. Men should be careful not to bring up the subject of women unless one's counterpart does so first. A simple inquiry as to the health of a wife or daughter can be considered inappropriate.
In the realm of protocol, one should not enter a room or home without knocking or coughing to announce one's presence. One should also not shout, laugh too loudly or sing during meal times. Note that it is appropriate to cover the mouth when laughing.
There may not be the usual separation between the genders as in orthodox Mulim countries, howeve, visitors should be concerned about the appropriate behavior of each sex, especially in social situations. Men and women should not kiss or hug. Even married couples should exercise reticence in their displays of affection.
Typical Tajik food will include many vegetables, including the frequent use of chickpeas. Soups made from milk and herbs, as well as flat bread, are also common fare. Meat is used to make steamed dumplings called "tushbera." Other traditional foods include an egg-filled pasta that is covered in sesame oil called "tuhum barak" and a herb-enriched curd called "chakka."
Although Tajikistan is not considered to be a fundamentalist Islamic country, clothing should be appropriate to this environment. Business wear is typically more conventional; suits are the norm for both men and women, although more casual attire may also be permissible. Western women should try to be more restrained in regard to makeup and jewelry. Both men and women should dress modestly. Tight, revealing clothing is simply not acceptable, while shorts, bikinis and short hems are objectionable. Necklines should be high and sleeves should come to the elbows. Hemlines should be well below the knee, if not ankle length. While the rules for men's attire is not as strict, men must keep their chest covered in public and should never wear shorts in public.
Typical Tajik dress, which may be seen in the clothing of older people and traditional communities, includes long, quilted jackets, boots and caps with embroidered designs for men. Among women, long and irridescent dresses sewn with mettalic thread tends to be the favored garment. Usually, matching trousers and scarves are also worn.
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