TSULBP: “Emomali Rahmon – Reviver of Tajik National Holidays and Traditions” – Scientific-Theoretical Conference Dedicated to International Holiday of Navruz

On March 29, 2025, at the initiative of an Executive Committee of People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan in Sughd Region, a scientific-theoretical conference titled “Emomali Rahmon – Reviver of Tajik National Holidays and Traditions” was held in Tajik State University of Law, Business, and Politics to mark the International Holiday of Navruz. The event was attended by the First Deputy Chairman of People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan.

The guests first visited an exhibition in the university courtyard showcasing of national traditions, including folk crafts, traditional cuisine, a mother’s lullaby, wedding ceremony of Tajik youth, poetry recitations, and songs — all reflecting the noble, humanistic customs of this ancient celebration and its achievements during years of national independence.

Later, in a ceremonial setting, new members of People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan received their party certificates, and several skilled women artisans were presented with sewing machines.

The conference was opened by Jahongir Salimzoda, Chairman of the Executive Committee of PDP of Tajikistan in Sughd region, who emphasized that Navruz, rooted in the millennia-old history of Tajik people, is a symbol of purity, joy, hope, and noble ancestral traditions. This great celebration brings a message of creativity, friendship, mutual understanding, and peace.

In the era of national independence, thanks to wise leadership of the Founder of Peace and National Unity — Leader of Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, and respected Chairman of PDP, Emomali Rahmon, Navruz was revived and given special significance. This year, a holiday is being celebrated with double joy as, on the eve of Navruz, we witnessed a momentous and joyful event — reopening of borders between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. This wise initiative of leaders of both countries will undoubtedly give a significant boost to strengthening friendly, neighborly, and mutually beneficial relations.

Following this, the First Deputy Chairman of PDP of Tajikistan, Maliksho Nematzoda, delivered a speech. He noted the symbolism of holding this conference on the eve of an official visit of the Presidents of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan to Sughd region of our beloved country during celebration of International Navruz. The event was dedicated to discussing a unique role of the Founder of Peace and National Unity — the Leader of Nation, President Emomali Rahmon, in reviving and expanding national holidays and traditions of Tajik people.

Navruz is one of the most unique phenomena and a core element of our national culture. For over six thousand years, it has served as a moral and educational foundation, fostering creativity, tolerance, self-awareness, a love for beauty, friendship, coexistence, and kindness in people. It has become a source of national pride and a powerful instrument of self-identity. Thanks to national independence and wise, culture-focused policies of President Emomali Rahmon, Navruz has been revived and gained international recognition. The Leader of Nation has emphasized: “Navruz for us is equal with the Day of State Independence as one of the most cherished and significant holidays for our people, as it is precisely through independence and freedom that we were able to revive our ancient national customs and traditions, including Navruz. Independence has become a gift of destiny for a nation, and Navruz serves as a cornerstone in the history of Tajik people, uniting generations of the past, present, and future through customs and traditions of our noble ancestors.

As is known, in the early 1990s, when our beloved country was engulfed in civil war, our national and spiritual values, language, and culture were under threat of extinction. In this critical and decisive moment, the Leader of  Nation demonstrated unparalleled courage, taking upon himself the historical mission of safeguarding of state and nation, as well as reviving our ancestral values.

Thanks to the initiative and wise leadership of our leader, national holidays such as Sada, Navruz, Tirogon, Mehrgon, and other noble traditions have been revived throughout the country. These holidays, with deep historical roots, have today become symbols of national unity, pride in our homeland, and preservation of our cultural heritage.

During the years of independence, more than 100 historical and cultural monuments have been restored and reconstructed, including Khujand Fortress, Mug Fortress, ancient city of Sarazm, Panjakent Archaeological Museum, Museum of Academician Bobojon Gafurov, and others. Distribution of the book “Tajiks” by Academician Bobojon Gafurov to every household contributed to strengthening of patriotism and national consciousness among citizens of the country, especially among the youth. It also played a significant role in preserving and promoting respect for our historical values and traditions.

Furthermore, celebration of significant historical milestones such as the 2500th anniversary of Istaravshan, the 2700th anniversary of Kulob, the 800th anniversary of Mawlono Jaloliddin Balkhi, the 700th anniversary of Sheikh Kamoli Khujandi, the 1150th anniversary of Abu Abdullah Rudaki, the 100th anniversary of Mirzo Tursunzoda, and others — along with inclusion of Navruz, Sada, and Mehrgon holidays in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list — serve as a vivid proof of wise and culturally-focused policies of our state.

Today, we are proud that, thanks to initiative of our leader, Navruz has received international recognition, and such cultural assets as Shashmaqom, Chakan embroidery, Atlas and Adras fabrics have been acknowledged by UNESCO as part of world’s cultural heritage. This has provided an opportunity for Tajiks to be recognized globally as an ancient and civilized nation.

A recent initiative of our President to publish and present timeless epic “Shahnameh” by the great poet Ferdowsi to every household is an important step toward reviving historical memory and honoring national values. Presentation of the first copies of this masterpiece to women and mothers of Tajikistan by the Leader of Nation is a testament to appreciation of their tireless contributions as primary nurturers and guardians of national traditions.

The Chairman of People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan and Leader of Nation regularly emphasizes in his speeches that national holidays and traditions are an integral part of our culture and play a vital role in shaping national identity. Therefore, we are duty-bound to preserve and pass this priceless heritage on to future generations.

During the conference, People’s Poet of Tajikistan, Tolib Karimi Ozarakhs, Doctor of Philology and Professor Nurali Nurzoda, Candidate of Philology and Associate Professor Islam Rahimov, and Candidate of Law and Associate Professor Muqaddas Akilova delivered insightful presentations on conference theme.

Following the speeches, a number of activists and veterans of public and party service were honored with the 30th Anniversary Medal of the People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan and honorable diploma from the Central Executive Committee of the Party. These awards were given for their significant contributions to promoting goals and programs of the party, raising its profile in society, organizing and conducting key political events, strengthening national consciousness, and engaging population in constructive endeavors.

The event concluded with the performance of  National Anthem of the Republic of Tajikistan.