DUSHANBE, 18.03.2024 (NIAT Khovar) – On 16 March 2024, per the initiative of the Embassy of Tajikistan to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, a bust of the founder of Tajik-Persian verse Abuabdullo Rudaki was unveiled in a solemn atmosphere in the School of Oriental and African Studies of the University of London (SOAS), which is one of the most prestigious educational institutions of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Ambassador of Tajikistan Rukhshona Emomali and Vice-Chancellor of SOAS Professor Joanna Newman participated in the ceremony.

Ambassador in her speech emphasized the unique service of Rudaki in enhancing the Tajik-Persian language and founding Tajik-Persian world verse, that hence became a yardstick for science, literature and statehood in Central Asia, the Caucasus, Minor Asia, Pakistan, and India for the next centuries.

It was highlighted that the Tajik-Persian language and literature, which was formed in the time of Rudaki and gained world fame, is still enjoyed in Tajikistan, Iran, Afghanistan and other countries, and is practical for all Aryan scholars across the globe.

After bust unveiling, an academic and cultural deliberations dedicated to the life, and legacy of Abu ‘Abd Allah Rudaki was held with the participation of more than 200 guests, including the President of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan Qobiljon Khushvakhtzoda, as well as experts from the Tajik-Persian and British think tanks, and compatriots.

As part of this cultural and academic event, concert performances by famous artists of Tajikistan took place, in which Rudaki’s works were performed.

Within the framework of this cultural and academic event, concert performances of famous artists of Tajikistan were held, in which Rudaki’s works were performed.

Basically, this academic and cultural talks, which was held on the eve of the International Navruz holiday, turned into a celebration of science and culture of Tajiks and Navruz approaching in the United Kingdom, and led to a worthy presentation of the high scientific, literary, and cultural values of the Tajik nation.

Besides the abovementioned event, delegation of Tajikistan consisting of the Deputy Minister of Education and Science Mrs Lutfiya Abdulkholikzoda and President of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan Mr Qobiljon Khushvakhtzoda, who have participated in the bust unveiling ceremony, on the initiative and assistance of the Embassy held fruitful meetings with the High Education Team of the Department for Business and Trade, representatives from Persian Studies of the University of Oxford, the University of Portsmouth, and SOAS, which ranks among the top-5 best universities of oriental studies.

During the meetings, the parties discussed ways and means of strengthening and expanding effective cooperation, and in this regard signed memorandums of understanding on cooperation between the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan and the abovementioned universities.