Front entrance of the newly inaugurated Dushanbe Serena Hotel in Tajikistan. - Photo: AKDN / Gary Otte

The main entrance of the Dushanbe Serena is reminiscent of an iwan – the entry to a historic caravansary, a traditional trader’s hotel. - Photo: AKDN / Gary Otte

The bronze and glass chandeliers in the lobby are inspired by a Tajik amulet, and were designed with creative guidance from Prince Amyn Aga Khan. - Photo: AKDN / Gary Otte

The mainly white façade is clothed in differently patterned skins of glass and zinc. An intricate floral pattern derived from Central Asian tile designs weaves a contemporary Musharabiyya – a white screen within the glass. - Photo: AKDN / Gary Otte

Carved plaster panels created by Master Artist Jamshed Yunosov form a backdrop to the lobby reception desk. - Photo: AKDN / Gary Otte

The Chaikhanna, or Tea Lounge, features tall, traditionally decorated ceilings, and two historic carved wooden Masharabiyyas. - Photo: AKDN / Gary Otte

The garden is a composition of mature pines, regional fruit trees and flowering bushes. A central water channel in the tradition of a char bagh, extends the formal central axis of the hotel. - Photo: AKDN / Gary Otte

The dining room of the Rudaki Restaurant is inspired by the pomegranate, with a vine design present in the carpets and the etched glass screen above the buffet. Plaster paintings by Artist Abdukarim Raqibov ornament the walls while carved circular wooden motifs adorn the tables. - Photo: AKDN / Gary Otte

Local artistry and materials infuse each room of the Dushanbe Serena Hotel with a rich experience of Central Asia. Each space develops a special character through its use of local crafts such as glazed ceramics and regional objects. - Photo: AKDN / Gary Otte

Old and new embroidered Tajik suzanis decorate the traditional low seating in the Suzani Bar. Decorative motifs derived from Central Asian “palmette” designs are integrated into the carpets, glass tables and the bar. - Photo: AKDN / Gary Otte

The Dushanbe Serena Hotel is a composition of Tajik artistic and building traditions, presented in a contemporary manner. Its spaces reflect the ceremonial and celebratory traditions of Central Asia with the stature and decorative modes found in the Tajik culture. - Photo: AKDN / Gary Otte