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Boulder's famous tea house is the Dushanbe Teahouse, a stunning, handcrafted gift from its sister city, Dushanbe, Tajikistan, symbolizing peace during the Cold War; built by Tajik artisans with intricate carvings and tiles, it was shipped in pieces to Boulder, assembled, and opened in the 1990s as a cultural landmark and popular restaurant.
Key Historical Points:

  • Sister City Gift:
    Established as part of the Boulder-Dushanbe Sister Cities program, this ornate building was a gesture of friendship from Dushanbe (then part of the Soviet Union) to Boulder in the late 1980s.
  • Construction & Transport:
    Forty Tajik artisans hand-built the structure in Dushanbe, then dismantled it, crating the elaborate pillars, paintings, and tiles for shipment to Boulder.
  • Assembly in Boulder:
    After years in storage, American architect Vern Seieroe oversaw its reassembly, finally opening in Boulder as a unique cultural attraction.
  • Cultural Significance:
    The teahouse features hand-carved pillars, original oil paintings, and ceramic tiles, reflecting traditional Persian and Central Asian designs, making it a significant piece of international art and architecture in the U.S.
  • Reciprocal Exchange:
    In exchange for the teahouse, Dushanbe received an internet cafe and other aid from Boulder.

Today, the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse is a beloved tourist spot and restaurant, serving over 100 teas and celebrating its unique journey of peace and craftsmanship.

Events in Boulder, CO
Breakfast & Brunch

AI summary

By Meetup

Breakfast/Brunch at a historic teahouse for locals and visitors, offering a meal while learning about its sister-city heritage.

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