The 70-year long Soviet domination over a large part of Eurasia unfolded an unprecedented experience in human history. For the first time in history, all cultural, scientific and arts activities of an empire was monopolized by a state. To do so, a vast apparatus consisting of various institutions was created in order to assume direction, planning, budgeting, and specifying the content of culture and arts. This Moscow’s endeavor left profound impact on Central Asian people notably the Tajiks who themselves possessed rich culture, arts and civilization throughout history. This paper deals with the Soviet legacy in Central Asia particularly in Tajikistan and provides a comprehensive picture of management of culture and arts in transition from the Soviet era to the post-independence period. This paper is a result of a field study, visit to cultural and arts centers of the region, and interview with practitioners and artists.
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