Merchants running shops at the fire-ravaged Guliston market in the northern city of Panjakent are reporting major financial losses and fear they may be unable to repay their bank loans.

“We took out loans to buy goods for the autumn-winter season. Now we don’t know how to cover these losses or make this month’s payments,” said one vendor whose stall was destroyed in the recent fire.

Hundreds of entrepreneurs have been affected, with many losing their shops and merchandise. Asia-Plus spoke with several vendors and local officials about the damage, possible compensation, and plans for recovery.

The fire broke out at the Guliston market, also known as Lattabozor, on the night of November 12–13. According to official reports, the blaze spread across 792 square meters, destroying 280 stalls and 20 nearby shops.

“Nothing was left of my shop”

Zebiniso Khalilova, a fabric vendor, estimated her losses at over 200,000 somonis. “Everything burned, including the day’s earnings. I had taken out a bank loan to buy stock. Market authorities say they will rebuild the market within a month and provide stalls for free,” she said.

Another trader, who has worked at the market for nearly 30 years, said he took out loans for himself and his daughter to purchase goods — all of which burned. “We’ve always paid taxes on time. I hope the government will act quickly to support us,” he said.

“We lost nearly $50,000”

Another vendor, who wished to remain anonymous, said his losses amount to around $50,000 (roughly 500,000 somonis). “I took out a loan for seasonal inventory, even used my personal savings. Now it’s all gone. I’m sitting at home, wondering how to repay the bank,” he said, adding that in 17 years at the market, nothing like this had ever happened.

“Both our shops burned with all the goods”

Dilfouza Mardonova said the fire destroyed her clothing store and her husband’s stall. The family’s losses exceed 500,000 somonis, and their debt to multiple banks totals over 120,000 somonis. “We have young children, and one of our sons is a student. We’re devastated and don’t know what to do,” she said.

Local authorities promise to rebuild

The Panjakent city administration said a task force made up of local, regional, and emergency authorities is on site investigating the cause and assessing damages.

“A permanent coordination center has been established to register traders and process their claims. An official decision will be made regarding the market’s reconstruction or relocation,” a city representative said, adding that traders would receive support not only from market management but also from city authorities — although details were not provided.

Attempts by Asia-Plus to reach Guliston market’s management were unsuccessful.

Officials stated that merchandise worth 27 million somonis was saved from the fire. However, post-fire footage suggests the market was almost completely destroyed.

Fires at Tajik markets are not uncommon. Authorities often cite short circuits or violations of fire safety rules as the cause. However, affected vendors frequently complain that they receive little or no compensation for their losses.