city, southwestern Tajikistan. It lies in the valley of the Iakhsu River and at the foot of the Khazratishokh Range, 125 miles (200 km) southeast of Dushanbe. The city was a trading point on the route from the Gissar (Hissar) valley to Afghanistan. Cotton and grain are cultivated throughout the surrounding region, and sheep are grazed in the mountain areas.

Kulyab has food-processing industries and manufactures building materials. The city was a main supply point for Afghan militias during the closing years of that country's civil war (c. 2000). The city and surrounding region were the political base of the ruling party following independence (1991). Pop. (2002 est.) 79,500.