The Hisor History and Culture Reserve is a collection of archeological and historical monuments from different ages. As everywhere in Central Asia, the authorities have been heavy handed in "restoring" the site ; the Registan large square in front of the fortress is now clean and pedestrians only. There is a Soviet war memorial that really doesn't fit well in this mix and should be relocated. The whole area was of huge strategic importance during the Silk Road Era. Consequently it has a violent past, being attacked more than twenty times ; famous names such as Cyrus, Alexander, The Arabs, Ghenghis and Babur all had a go at Hissar Fortress. In front of the fort is Registan, the large square, and the old 16th century madrasah, now housing a museum ; and a new madrasah from the 17th century. Finally there are the foundations of a caravanserai, two mosques and the mausoleum of Makhdumi Azam. It is easy to spend 2 hours exploring the lot.

The Hisor HIstorical and Cultural Preserve represents all the buildings of the architectural complex located at Hisor, 30 km west of Dushanbe. We visited this area by arranging a tour, but locals use shared taxis to visit the site. It is free to enter the site, but payment is required to enter the fort, museum to the left of the entrance , Kukhna madrasah and Mausoleum of Mahdumi Azam. On a storyboard near to the entrance is a numbered map which highlights the attractions of the complex. The main attractions on the map (see photo below) are numbered as follows: 1. Registan 2.Ark South Gate 5.The ark-tea house 6. Mosque 8. Chasma (pond) 9. West Gate 10. Kukhna (Old) madrasah 11. New Madrasah 12. Caravanserai 13. Toharathona 14. Mausoleum of Mahdumi Azam 15. Shops 16. Office building and Museum 17. main entrance gate to complex 18. parking 19. Restaurant Hissar 21. War memorial monument 22.Columns (guldastas) 24. Chaikhana (Teahouse) 25. Amphitheatre 26. Craft shops We spent a little over an hour walking around and viewed the fort, war memorial, old madrasah, caravanserai and toharathona. To view all attractions, you will probably require at least two hours. We thought that the old madrasah had good displays, and was well restored. Best photos of the site are taken from the ramparts to the left of the gate house. it is a steep climb up the steps, but the view will be worth it. To get the most out of this visit, do a little research on the site and choose the areas which you are interested in. After visiting the site there are a few other attractions in Hissar worth viewing, including the Sangin mosque and Choykhonai Kharbuza, better known as the "watermelon shaped tea house".