1990 Dushanbe riots and Tajikistan independence struggle

In February 1990, Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, witnessed significant unrest characterized by riots and strikes. This turmoil was primarily fueled by a dire socio-economic landscape, marked by a severe lack of housing and rampant youth unemployment. The situation prompted a coalition of nationalist and democratic opposition groups, alongside supporters advocating for independence, to mobilize and demand both the autonomy of the republic and essential democratic reforms. Additionally, Islamist factions joined the protests, seeking recognition of their rights and the pursuit of independence. In response to the escalating unrest, the Soviet leadership deployed Internal Troops to Dushanbe in an attempt to restore order and quell the demonstrations. This period marked a pivotal moment in Tajikistan's struggle for independence, highlighting the intersection of socio-economic grievances and the quest for political reform.