On 7 September, a scientific conference of the International Association of Tajiks and Persian-Speaking Peoples “Payvand”, entitled “Independent Tajikistan as a Link between the Aryan Civilizations”, was held at the Vahdat Palace in the capital under the chairmanship of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Chairman of the International Association of Tajiks and Persian-Speaking Peoples “Payvand”, Leader of the Nation, His Excellency Mr. Emomali Rahmon.

The scientific conference was attended, alongside Tajik scholars and researchers, by more than 230 distinguished guests from 27 countries around the world.

The scientific conference entitled “Independent Tajikistan as a Link between the Aryan Civilizations” was opened by the President of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, Academician Khushvakhtzoda Qobiljon Khushvakht, who then gave the floor to the President of the country, His Excellency Mr. Emomali Rahmon.

At the outset, the Head of State congratulated all participants of the conference on the auspicious occasion of the 35th anniversary of the State Independence of the Republic of Tajikistan and extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guests—including scholars, scientists, representatives of the arts, and active members of the “Payvand” Association—to independent and free Tajikistan, which he described as a home of hope for Tajiks and Persian-speaking peoples throughout the world.

The Leader of the Nation stated that the International “Payvand” Association represents a unique phenomenon of the period of Tajikistan’s independence and has, over the years, developed into a broad platform for interaction and dialogue among Tajiks and Persian-speaking peoples worldwide.

It was emphasized that the active participation of distinguished guests in the celebrations of Tajikistan’s independence constitutes a clear expression of respect for the language and culture, history and civilization, as well as the shared spiritual values of Persian-speaking peoples.

According to the Head of State, at a time when the contemporary world is experiencing intense competition among identities, languages, values and interests, spiritual and cultural unity and solidarity are of particular importance for Persian-speaking peoples.

“I noted as early as 8 September 1993 that the principal objective of our Association was to establish and consolidate historical relations and to expand scientific and cultural ties among Persian-speaking peoples,” the Head of State stated.

President Emomali Rahmon highly commended the contribution of Tajiks living abroad and Persian-speaking peoples to promoting the image of independent Tajikistan, highlighting its achievements and strengthening its standing and reputation in the international arena.

It was emphasized that the members of the Council and the Executive Committee of the “Payvand” Association have made a valuable contribution to the preparation and organization of scientific and cultural events dedicated, inter alia, to the 1150th anniversary of the father of classical Tajik-Persian literature, Abuabdullo Rudaki; the 680th anniversary of the great mystic of the East, Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadoni; the 1400th anniversary of Borbad Marvazi; the millennium of Firdawsi’s “Shahnameh”; the 700th anniversary of Hafez of Shiraz; the 675th anniversary of Kamol Khujandi; the 600th anniversary of Abdurrahman Jomi; and the 960th anniversary of the philosopher and scholar Omar Khayyam.

Their contribution to the commemoration of the 1100th anniversary of the Samanid State, as well as to the international conferences “The Avesta and World Civilization” and “The Contribution of Tajiks and Persian-Speaking Peoples to World Civilization: Yesterday and Today”, the celebration of the 2700th anniversary of the city of Kulob, and the observance of the Year of Aryan Civilization, was also highly commended.

Addressing the members of the Association, President Emomali Rahmon stressed that it was necessary not merely to regard ourselves as heirs to this great civilization, but also to enrich it with new forms and content consistent with the spirit of the contemporary era and with new scientific achievements.

The Head of State stated that Aryan civilization constitutes our historical roots and foundation, and that our future depends on the extent to which we preserve these roots in our intellectual and national worldview.

At the latest meeting of the Association, the Leader of the Nation also spoke about the publication and dissemination among the people of Tajikistan of the immortal “Shahnameh” by Abulqasem Firdawsi, as well as the initiative to establish in Dushanbe a House of Aryan Civilization and an International Navruz Centre, with the aim of fostering and advancing the understanding and development of ancient civilization.

It was noted that the House of Aryan Civilization would serve as a living cultural, scientific and educational centre, presenting the history of Aryan peoples as a reflection of a civilization characterized by creativity, constructive endeavour and significant influence on the ancient world.

It was further noted that the International Navruz Centre in Dushanbe could develop into a unique institution of global cultural significance, where Navruz would be presented not merely as a one-day or seasonal celebration, but as an enduring philosophy of life, peace and renewal, thereby reaffirming its historical and cultural significance in support of the spiritual objectives of the contemporary world.

In the view of President Emomali Rahmon, this Centre would constitute Tajikistan’s valuable contribution to the preservation of the cultural heritage of humanity, the promotion of dialogue among civilizations, and the strengthening of the country’s pivotal role as a centre of Navruz civilization.

The President emphasized that in the coming decades, Tajiks should be recognized not only as a nation with a proud historical legacy, but also as a forward-looking and constructive society, distinguished by its capacity to generate knowledge, develop technologies, foster contemporary culture and pursue effective diplomacy.

“In this regard, the Payvand Association can become a coordinating centre for the intellectual, economic and cultural potential of Tajiks throughout the world,” the Head of State stated.

In his address to the conference, President Emomali Rahmon also spoke about the revival during the period of independence of national and ancient traditions, including Navruz, Sada, Mehrgon and Tirgon.

The publication of the scholarly work “The Tajiks” by the renowned scholar Bobojon Gafurov, the immortal “Shahnameh” by Abulqasem Firdawsi, and their dissemination to every household in Tajikistan, as well as the publication of the “Stars of Literature” series, were described as important initiatives of the Government aimed at strengthening national consciousness, historical pride and the connection of the Tajik people with the enduring heritage of their ancestors.

Language was characterized as the foundation of the spiritual existence of the nation.

President Emomali Rahmon identified the preservation, promotion, and future development of the Tajik language as a central area of activity for the “Payvand” Association.

“We must not only cherish our language, but also transform it into a powerful language of science and technology, modern technologies, the economy and diplomacy,” President Emomali Rahmon stated.

The Head of State recalled the contributions of the peoples of Aryan heritage. He referred to the legacy of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the first empire in history and the author of the first declaration of human rights, as an example of justice and tolerance.

It was stressed that it is our responsibility to convey to future generations and societies the messages of peace, dialogue among civilizations, mutual understanding, tolerance and shared responsibility.

President Emomali Rahmon expressed satisfaction regarding the United Nations General Assembly resolution proclaiming the “Decade for Strengthening Peace for Future Generations”, which was recently adopted at the initiative of Tajikistan.

President Emomali Rahmon stated that the present meeting should send a clear message to the world and to our societies: the Tajiks are a nation of peace and peace-building, a nation of dignity and tolerance, and a nation committed to culture, constructive endeavour and development.

It was proposed that the present conference serve as the starting point for a new development programme of the “Payvand” Association for the coming years. Such a programme should address, in an integrated manner, issues related to language, history, culture, science, the economy, youth, innovation, digitalization and cultural diplomacy, taking into account the interconnection and mutual reinforcement of these areas.

It was also proposed that, within the framework of planning the future activities of the “Payvand” Association, issues related to peace and security, water and climate, and sustainable development, together with the preservation of historical and spiritual heritage, should be accorded an appropriate and sustained place.

Concluding his remarks, the Leader of the Nation emphasized that in the coming decades Tajikistan should become not only a country of stability, peace, prosperity and constructive development, but also a centre of constructive ideas, vibrant culture, international initiatives and cooperation among peoples sharing a common linguistic and cultural heritage.

Following the address by President Emomali Rahmon, several participants took the floor and highly commended the role of the Association in strengthening the unity of Tajik and Persian peoples, as well as the contribution of President Emomali Rahmon, in his capacity as Chairman of the Association, to the revival of national values and Aryan civilization and to promoting the scientific and cultural achievements of their ancestors.

Among the speakers were Alireza Qiyamati, who is widely recognized among culturally oriented communities as a professor at the University of Mashhad and one of the prominent scholars and researchers of the “Shahnameh”, and Dr. Mohiddin Mahdi, former representative in the National Assembly of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and a distinguished researcher in the fields of history, linguistics, literature and the political history of Afghanistan.

The speakers at the conference characterized the progress achieved in the political, economic, scientific, and cultural life of Tajikistan as the result of the successful efforts of the dignified and peace-loving Tajik people under the leadership of the President of the country, His Excellency Mr. Emomali Rahmon.