Hello World.

گل می گذرد

In the blink of a blossom 

فرزانه خجندی 

Farzaneh Khojandi

ای رشک سرور، ای دسته نور 

The envy of delight, the cluster of light

ای در بر من وی از همه دور

You, in my embrace, and far from others

از آن سوی دل، از آن سوی جان

From both rims of the heart and soul

پیدا و نهان چهچه بزنی

You gently tap, visible and invisible 

گل می گذرد، گل می گذرد

In the blink of a blossom

Translated from the Farsi by Farhad Azad 

with edits by Parween Pazhwak = = = The poem conveys a true connection with a loved one, her "cluster of light”— the poet speaks of a blessed experience gently grazing her soul and heart, but the moment rapidly fades like a bed of seasonal flowers (گل می گذرد).

Farzaneh Khojandi, born on November 3, 1964, in Khujand, Tajikistan, is a noted poet with several published books, and her works have been translated into various languages worldwide. 

These lines are from Farzaneh Khojandi's collection "Poetry, Restore Me Once More," published in 2014. 

A part of Shogun Bahor celebrations by Chinese Tajiks.

Cultural Appreciation

My Lavellan inquisitor for DA is primarily inspired by both Tajik and Pamiri culture. Some would associate them being one of the same, but I disagree since linguistically and culturally, they’re not mutually exclusive due to the differences in the dialect despite them being Iranic languages.

The type of Pamiri ethnic group that I’m mostly basing her on is the Pamirs who live in Tashkurgan, which is an autonomous region in China. It used to be a part of Tajikistan, but the president there actually sold that portion of that land because he’s a pos (long story). Unfortunately in Tajikistan, Pamirs are treated aren’t treated very well. Most of them are separated into rural areas, so in a country that is already poor, they live in places that is worser than the country’s current economic conditions. The president, not too long ago, actually sent troops to some of the cities in Tajikistan, and genocided the innocent Pamiris living there. So, they’re often targets for persecution. :/

Despite their difficult conditions in their native country, their culture is very colorful and beautiful. In Tashkurgan, based on my observations, red seems like a very prominent color in most of their clothing. For us in Tajikistan, red symbolizes triumph, victory, but also the color of the sky during sunrise.

Afghan Woman Drumming, Afghan Market Outside Khorog, Tajikistan.

Afghanistan lies just a short walk across a bridge over the Panj River from the Afghan Market on the Tajik side of the border. Afghan market vendors walk their goods across the village from their nearby home villages on the other side of the river.