It is well known that the rich cultural heritage of the Tajik people includes traditions, customs, decorative applied arts, and other values. All of these national values form the foundation of national identity.
It should be noted that from the first years of independence, the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, under the leadership of President Emomali Rahmon, has actively revived national culture both domestically and internationally. This is evident in the celebration of the International Nowruz Day, national holidays in the country, and the presentation of Tajik cultural values abroad.
When considering the cultural sphere as a whole, it has achieved significant successes and transformations. In particular, an unprecedented example is the construction and operation of many cultural facilities, including libraries, cultural palaces, theaters, cultural parks, and museums.
Over 33 years of independence, 18 theaters and 50 cultural palaces have been built and are functioning in the country. To strengthen the healthy environment of national culture, 63 new works were staged in 2024, 10 more than the previous year.
It is important to note that theater productions can attract audiences and become an important element in raising national self-awareness in society.
Books and library services are also an integral part of the culture of the Tajik people. Over 33 years of independence, 126 libraries have been built in the country, and plans are in place to build new libraries in the capital and other regions.
The role of the National Library of the Republic of Tajikistan in this process is extremely important. Every day, many visitors, including students, come here to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the library. In 2024, the library’s visitor service department was visited by about 63,000 students. This undoubtedly makes a significant contribution to the spiritual development of society.
In connection with the national competition «Furughi Subhi-Donoi», a special hall has been created in the National Library, which is a bright example of the Government’s care and support for the participants of the competition.
The establishment of the Agency for the Protection of Historical and Cultural Heritage under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan also serves as an important support in the cultural sector aimed at strengthening and developing national heritage.
One of the agency’s activities is the registration of all historical, cultural, and architectural monuments in the country. After digitization and cataloging, these monuments can be better represented at the national and international levels and passed on to future generations.
To better understand the history of the Tajik nation, archaeological excavations have been carried out, which allow for the discovery of previously unknown treasures and their presentation to the people.
Cultural events both within the country and abroad are an important element of national cultural education. Over the year, the number of such events has increased significantly. These events, on the one hand, serve as representations of national culture, and on the other hand, contribute to the growth of cultural consciousness.
In 2024, the creative people of the country participated in 45 scientific and cultural events. The number of festivals in which Tajik artists are represented abroad reached 18. In the country, 15 international-level events were also held, which are directly related to the development of national culture and familiarizing guests with the tourism potential of the country, which is an important step in enhancing its global influence.
Over the years of independence, more than 100 historical and cultural monuments of national and international significance have been restored and renovated by the Government’s initiative.
Significant steps have been taken to protect national music, as an important component of the culture of the Tajik people. Strengthening the musical atmosphere in the country is impossible without creating the necessary conditions. The construction and operation of 14 art schools over the years of independence have become one of the ways to protect national art. The measures reflected in the President’s Address are timely and necessary for further cultural development.
This year, the President issued instructions for the development of culture: «The heads of cities and regions are obliged to build and ensure the functioning of music schools for young talents in the center of each city and district.» This decision will contribute to the development of national music, strengthening the cultural foundations of our ancestors.
Music schools create conditions for preparing talented musicians, which in turn contributes to the promotion of national music in the labor market. Moreover, such schools can counter the spread of foreign music, fostering interest in native culture.
In the era of globalization, the protection of national culture has become a necessity. The leader of the nation emphasized in his address that «since national culture has weakened, it is being replaced by foreign culture.» This highlights the importance of protecting cultural heritage and national identity to preserve the distinctiveness of the country.
The cultural heritage of the Tajik people is recognized not only within the country but also abroad. As noted by the Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the Republic of Tajikistan, Christopher Martinez Berroteran: «The Republic of Tajikistan attracts global attention with its beautiful nature, cultural and historical heritage, national cuisine, and the unique Tajik hospitality.»
Today, the protection and preservation of national identity have become important tasks, especially for the youth, as many young people are prone to alienation due to a lack of understanding and knowledge of cultural heritage and national identity.
With the spread of foreign culture through new technologies, all segments of society must actively contribute to protecting cultural heritage as an integral part of national identity.
The digitalization of the tourism industry and the creation of the mobile application «Tourist Map of Tajikistan» can help foreign tourists better understand the national culture of the country. To support this, the creation of electronic portals and round-the-clock online services significantly improves accessibility to information.
According to statistics, in the first nine months of this year, the city of Rogun was visited by 7,000 domestic and foreign tourists. In 2024, Tajikistan was visited by 941,000 tourists.
Organizing online services with the involvement of local entrepreneurs also plays a crucial role. Modern audio guides in multiple languages, which introduce historical sites, provide a foundation for attracting tourists and developing the tourism industry.
Sharifkhonzoda Mohira
The leading specialist of the Department
of Analysis and Forecasting of Internal Policy
of the Center for Strategic Research under the
President of the Republic of Tajikistan.
