On May 18, 2026, a ceremony was held at the Donskoy Cemetery in Moscow to receive capsules containing soil from the burial sites of Tajik national figures Nusratullo Makhsum, Shirinsho Shotemur and Nisor Muhammad.

The delegation of the Republic of Tajikistan was led by Sirojiddin Mukhriddin. The Russian side was represented by Mikhail Galuzin and Mikhail Shvydkoy.

Honor guard companies from Tajikistan and Russia participated in the ceremony.

The initiative, carried out on the instructions of Emomali Rahmon, is regarded as an important step in restoring historical justice and preserving national memory. The ceremony symbolized the spiritual return to their homeland of figures who devoted their lives to serving the Tajik people.

In his remarks, Mukhriddin said Makhsum and Shotemur demonstrated strong political leadership in the 1920s and 1930s by defending the Tajik people’s right to self-determination and development. He also highlighted the contribution of Nisor Muhammad, whose work in education helped lay the foundations of the country’s cultural and educational system.

Mukhriddin noted that the legacy of the three figures has endured over time. In recognition of their contributions, Makhsum and Shotemur were posthumously awarded the title “Hero of Tajikistan” by presidential decree.

On behalf of the Tajik government, the foreign minister expressed gratitude to the Russian government, the Moscow city administration and all those involved in organizing the ceremony.

In their speeches, Galuzin and Shvydkoy emphasized the importance of restoring historical justice through the return of the soil to Tajikistan. They noted the contributions of the three figures to the establishment of the Tajik republic within the Soviet Union and said the initiative would further strengthen friendly and allied relations between Tajikistan and Russia.

The capsules containing soil from the burial sites are scheduled to arrive in Dushanbe on May 19 and will become part of a national memorial complex symbolizing continuity between past and future generations.