On May 19, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Leader of the Nation, His Excellency, Emomali Rahmon, arrived at Dushanbe International Airport and personally participated in a ceremony to receive soil from the burial sites of outstanding sons of the Tajik people — Heroes of Tajikistan Nusratullo Makhsum and Shirinsho Shotemur as well as a prominent cultural figure in the nation’s history, Nisor Muhammad.

The direct participation of the Head of State in this historic and spiritual ceremony is a clear testament to the high respect of the state and Government of the Republic of Tajikistan for national history and culture, freedom and state sovereignty, and the achievements of the selfless sons of the Motherland.

As a sign of deep respect for the memory of these outstanding representatives of the nation, the airport grounds were festively decorated in honor of the arrival of the soil from their burial sites, while members of the Honor Guard lined both sides of the red carpet.

In a solemn atmosphere marked by dignity and reverence, and following a report by responsible officials to the Leader of the Nation, members of the Honor Guard, with special honors, carried the capsules containing soil from the burial sites of the Heroes of Tajikistan, draped in the State Flag of the Republic of Tajikistan, in a ceremonial march to the airport square.

President Emomali Rahmon, with deep reverence and sincere respect, paid tribute to the memory of Nusratullo Makhsum, Shirinsho Shotemur and Nisor Muhammad near the capsules containing soil from their burial sites, noting their historic contributions to the nation.

During these moving historic moments, the Head of State emphasized that Nusratullo Makhsum and Shirinsho Shotemur are regarded as among the founders of modern Tajik statehood and made an invaluable contribution to preserving the nation, protecting national interests, defining administrative borders and establishing the Republic of Tajikistan.

Indeed, thanks to state independence and the special attention of the Leader of the Nation Emomali Rahmon, the historical achievements of outstanding sons of the Motherland are now being comprehensively studied and duly recognized, while their names and lives are revered as examples of patriotism, national identity, loyalty and selfless service to the state and people.

This noble step is viewed as a continuation of the cultural, creative and humanistic policies of the Head of State and once again confirms that, during the years of independence, the revival of historical memory, the honoring of outstanding sons of the nation and the strengthening of national identity have become among the most important priorities of state policy.

The participants in the historic ceremony then proceeded, accompanied by an honorary motorcycle escort, to the Central Cathedral Mosque of Dushanbe.

Following funeral prayers, a ceremony to inter the ashes of Tajikistan’s heroes will take place at Luchob Cemetery, in accordance with Islamic traditions and with special honors.

This historic event will forever remain in the annals of independent Tajikistan as a symbol of the triumph of truth, the restoration of historical justice and the perpetuation of the memory of the faithful sons of the people.

Now these national heroes, devoted sons of the ancient Tajik nation, will find eternal rest in their ancestral homeland — Tajikistan, the country for which they sacrificed their lives. This step will undoubtedly bring peace to the souls of those martyrs on the path to freedom and serve as a reminder to present and future generations that the Motherland never forgets its devoted and selfless sons and, even after many years, continues to honor their achievements.

Undoubtedly, this noble tribute and profound gratitude expressed in honor of the selfless sons of the glorious Tajik people will forever remain inscribed in the pages of history alongside the name of the beloved Leader of the Nation, the wise head of state and inspiring mentor of the people, Emomali Rahmon.