Dear compatriots!
Exactly 35 years ago, on 9 September 1991, the blessed Tajik nation, in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, attained the greatest blessing — independence.
This auspicious day is inscribed in golden letters in the pages of the modern history of our Homeland and represents, for our ancient and civilization-building people, the restoration of historical justice — the achievement of independent national statehood by the Tajik people and the raising of the State Flag of Tajikistan on the international stage.
The people of Tajikistan celebrate the 35th anniversary of their beloved country’s independence with a profound sense of patriotic pride, because state independence is the greatest and most sacred blessing, the highest expression of national identity, pride and patriotic honour, a symbol of the existence of the ancient, sovereign and state-bearing Tajik nation, and the foundation of the happiness and dignity of the people of Tajikistan.
It is with great joy and pride that I sincerely congratulate all the distinguished residents of Devashtich District and all of you on this sacred and great historic occasion.
It should be emphasized that this blessed day — the 35th anniversary of independence and freedom, as well as the greatest achievements of this period — peace and tranquility, political stability and national unity — were not achieved by the noble people of Tajikistan easily.
Over the past 35 years, on our way to these joyful moments, we have jointly overcome numerous threats and dangers, as well as extremely difficult and serious challenges.
The historical path travelled by the Tajik people, particularly during the early years of independence, was marked by tragedy, hardship, obstacles and severe difficulties.
At a time when our independent country was only taking its first steps, traitors to the nation and opponents of the Tajik state, with the support of foreign interest groups, drew our country into a period of intense internal confrontation and subsequently into a devastating civil war.
The greatest tragedy of those days was the threat of the disappearance of the young Tajik state and the fragmentation of the Tajik nation.
The horrors of the imposed civil war will never be forgotten by the people or erased from the pages of the country’s modern history.
It should be noted that, in order to bring the war to an early end, stop the bloodshed, restore peace and tranquility, ensure public order and uphold the rule of law, conscious representatives of the nation decided to convene in the city of Khujand the only state body empowered to act under the circumstances at that time — the Session of the Supreme Council.
It was precisely at this Session that the first decisions and initiatives aimed at ending the bloodshed, achieving mutual understanding and establishing peace were adopted, laying the initial foundations for national reconciliation. In particular, the first state symbol — the State Flag — was adopted, and work began on the development and adoption of the other state symbols and the Constitution.
Thus, on 6 November 1994, the first Constitution of independent Tajikistan was adopted through a nationwide referendum, and the President of the country was elected by the people.
The system and principles of statehood enshrined in the Constitution were supported and accepted by the people, and history soon proved the correctness of the path chosen by the Tajik people.
It is well known that, since ancient times and throughout their more than six-thousand-year history, the Tajiks have been a people of knowledge and learning, written traditions, architecture and urban development, statecraft and urban culture — a people with a rich cultural heritage and a civilization-building tradition.
For this reason, in order to strengthen national consciousness and self-awareness, as well as to educate present generations through the great moral and spiritual heritage and enduring cultural values of their ancestors, dozens of important celebrations and events have been held over the past 35 years. During this period, the musical heritage of “Shashmaqom” and “Falak” and the festivals of Navruz, Mehrgon, Tirgon and Sada were revived, while the ancient festival of our people — Navruz — acquired international status.
Another important initiative, undertaken on the instructions of the Head of State in connection with the historic 35th anniversary of State Independence, is the republication of the immortal masterpiece “Shahnameh” by the great poet and thinker Abulqasim Ferdowsi and its provision to every family.
After passing through the first stage of independence, which was a difficult period of stabilizing the situation and strengthening the foundations of statehood, Tajikistan opened its doors to countries around the world and, by declaring a policy of “open doors,” entered the sphere of international relations.
Our country has not only strengthened its position and influence in the world and introduced the international community to the high values and rich heritage of the Tajik people, but has also actively participated in resolving regional and international issues and shaping the global agenda, making a constructive contribution.
The role of the Founder of Peace and National Unity — Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon — has been particularly significant in all the progress and achievements of the 35 years of State Independence.
Through the consistent implementation of fundamental values amid extremely complex international relations, intensifying competition among major powers and the vulnerability of nation-states, the Leader of the Nation has succeeded in preserving Tajik national statehood and presenting Tajikistan as a country that actively advances global initiatives.
Today, Tajikistan maintains diplomatic relations with 179 countries of the world and, through its effective efforts on the international stage, is recognized as an active and proactive country.
During this period, major international initiatives were advanced, including the declaration of 2003 as the International Year of Freshwater; 2005–2015 as the International Decade for Action “Water for Life”; 2013 as the International Year of Water Cooperation; 2018–2028 as the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”; the declaration of 2025 as the “International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation”; 21 March as “World Glaciers Day”; and the adoption of the latest resolution of the United Nations General Assembly on 26 June 2026 declaring the International Decade for Strengthening Peace for Future Generations (2027–2036), proposed at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon. These initiatives represent some of the most important developments in contemporary international politics and international law.
Drawing on its own experience in peacebuilding, our country actively contributes to the resolution of international conflicts through negotiations and consultations. Let us remain confident that the future of Tajikistan is bright and that the future life of the Tajik people will be peaceful, prosperous and secure.
It is worth noting that Devashtich District has also achieved significant progress and transformation during the period of independence. As a result of the implementation of state programmes and the support of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, development and improvement works in the district have been gaining momentum.
It is a source of great joy for our people that over the past five years, three working visits of the Founder of Peace and National Unity — Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon — have taken place in Devashtich District, including visits to the rural communities of Ghazantarak, Mujun, Vahdat and Dalyoni Bolo.
Through the constructive initiatives and the auspicious efforts of the Leader of the Nation during the period of independence, the appearance of the district centre and remote villages of Devashtich has changed fundamentally. As a result of the dedicated and patriotic work of residents, entrepreneurs and generous benefactors committed to their homeland, development and improvement activities have gained new momentum.
The establishment of industrial enterprises and production workshops, the construction of social facilities in education, healthcare and sports, the repair and reconstruction of roads and other service infrastructure are at the heart of the district’s development efforts. These initiatives have contributed to the rapid development of villages and settlements, while the construction of facilities and residential buildings in accordance with modern standards is giving the district a new and attractive appearance.
In preparation for the 35th anniversary of the State Independence of the Republic of Tajikistan, an action plan comprising 580 items was developed in the district, along with an additional 130 facilities of various purposes. All items of the plan were completed on the eve of the historic celebration.
Relying on the patriotic determination and creative strength of the educated and dignified people of the district, I confidently declare that the residents of the district will continue to work in unity around the country’s supreme leadership in order to preserve and honour the achievements of the independence and freedom of the Homeland, promote national development, strengthen peace and tranquility, political stability and national unity, and further expand development and improvement efforts with a strong sense of civic responsibility and patriotic pride.
Once again, I sincerely congratulate you on the 35th anniversary of the State Independence of the Republic of Tajikistan and wish you peaceful and prosperous lives, happiness, good fortune, tranquility, well-being and significant success.
May independence and freedom kindle in the hearts of every honourable son and daughter of our homeland the flame of love, sincerity and devotion, keep unity and solidarity alive in the land inherited from our ancestors, and may our district — Devashtich — continue to become even more prosperous and beautiful alongside our beloved country!
May the State Independence of the Republic of Tajikistan always remain strong, and may the honourable people of Tajikistan forever live with pride and dignity!
May independence and freedom always keep alive in the hearts of every honourable citizen of Tajikistan the flame of love for the land of our ancestors, unity and solidarity!
Long live the great achievements of the era of independence — peace and tranquility in the Homeland, political stability in society, and the national unity of the honourable people of Tajikistan!
Long live and prosper the independent Tajik state!
Tajikistan forward — towards even greater heights of progress and development!
Happy 35th Anniversary of the State Independence of the Republic of Tajikistan, dear compatriots!
