Panjakent (Tajik: Панҷакент) or Penjikent (Russian: Пенджикент[a]) is a city in the Sughd province of Tajikistan on the river Zeravshan, with a population of 52,500 (2020 estimate).

The town grew in the 5th century AD and many professionals such as established businessmen and landowners made their livelihoods in Panjakent.

For around 50 years, ancient Panjakent was ruled by new administrators but towards the end of the 8th century the town on the upper terraces was depopulated and relocated.

[7] He remained there even after Tajik independence as director of the excavation of the Panjakent ruins, during the years of Civil War in Tajikistan from 1992 to 1997.

Through close cooperation with the government of Tajikistan, Marshak ensured the protection and continued excavation of the Panjakent ruins.

A great variety influences are visible in the paintings, which show details of dress and daily life: Greek decorative styles encounter the Iranian narratives of the Shahnameh and the epic cycle of Rostam, scenes of festivities alternate with depictions of combats, local cults mix with Iranian and Hindu deities.

Shaivism was popular in Sogdiana and Eastern Turkestan as found from the wall painting from Penjikent on the river Zervashan.