“Independence is one of the most sacred national values for us, because this great achievement is the result of the efforts and struggles of the honourable sons of the Tajik nation aimed at fulfilling the centuries-old dream of our people — the revival of the national statehood of the Tajiks.”
EMOMALI RAHMON
Indeed, today the proud and prosperous Tajik people, under the leadership of the distinguished son of the nation, a patient and far-sighted statesman and politician, the Leader of the Nation, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, have achieved their centuries-old aspirations. History bears witness that our people endured many sorrowful, tragic, bloody and difficult days in their struggle for statehood and national security, while dreaming of the Independence that we enjoy today. Today, this ancient nation has achieved its centuries-old aspirations, although many courageous and valiant young men sacrificed their lives in pursuit of these ideals.
We remember from history that following the failed coup attempt of 19–21 August 1991 in Moscow, the State Committee on the State of Emergency (GKChP) was established. This accelerated the dissolution of the Soviet Union, and as a result, the 15 union republics began striving to achieve independence. The Republic of Tajikistan was among them. Under the influence of perestroika, the struggle of national movements and organizations for the country's independence resumed. Mass rallies were held in Dushanbe and several other cities of the republic, demanding the proclamation of the independence of the Republic of Tajikistan.
As a result of the efforts of national heroes and distinguished sons of the nation, on 9 September 1991, the Extraordinary Session of the Supreme Soviet of the Republic of Tajikistan of the twelfth convocation adopted the “Declaration on the State Independence of the Republic of Tajikistan.” The 9th of September was proclaimed the Day of State Independence of the Republic of Tajikistan. Under the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan “On Holidays,” this date became an official state holiday and is celebrated every year with particular solemnity.
The patient and fortunate people rejoiced at this unique and invaluable achievement. However, this joy did not last long. Opposition groups, taking advantage of the situation in the newly established state and the limited experience of government officials, sowed seeds of hostility, resentment and mutual accusations among the people, ultimately dragging the country into civil war.
The situation in the newly independent country became increasingly unstable. Killings and bloodshed, humiliation and degradation, robbery and theft, as well as attacks on the honour and dignity of our mothers and sisters, increased. Illegal opposition rallies, as well as gatherings of various groups pursuing their own interests, filled the squares near central administrative buildings. They expressed their demands and views through slogans and protests, creating unprecedented difficulties and obstacles to governing the newly independent state and restoring stability.
The seizure of state property, the taking of officials hostage, and the killing of journalists and law-enforcement personnel began. Due to the instability in the country, people left for neighbouring states, Russian-speaking residents fled to Russia, and the population suffered from hunger and poverty. A state of emergency was declared in some regions.
The situation became so severe that many people were unable to fulfil their professional, civic and religious responsibilities. Government officials abandoned their positions, journalists were unable to report the truth freely, and soldiers laid down their weapons, with some even taking their own lives. Analysts from influential international organizations assessed the situation at that time as extremely serious and prolonged. The state was regarded as being on the verge of collapse, the nation as divided, and the territorial integrity of the country as being at risk of fragmentation.
Despite the unstable situation in the country, the authorities sought to establish diplomatic relations with other states, and countries around the world gradually recognized Tajikistan as an independent state.
The country faced the urgent need to adopt a new Constitution. One of the most important measures in building a new society was the drafting and submission for nationwide consideration of the Constitution of the independent Republic of Tajikistan.
For this purpose, a competent commission was established to prepare the draft Basic Law. The draft Constitution was submitted to a nationwide referendum and adopted on 6 November 1994. The Basic Law defined the form of government as well as the rights and freedoms of individuals and citizens.
Tajikistan also adopted its state symbols — the State Emblem, Flag and National Anthem. These state symbols were subsequently approved by the relevant decisions of the Supreme Assembly of the Republic of Tajikistan.
Despite diplomatic achievements, the country remained unstable. The opposition forced the then Chairman of the Republic of Tajikistan, Rahmon Nabiyev, to resign. Rahmon Nabiyev resigned in an effort to restore the constitutional order, unity and territorial integrity of the state. Seeking political power and positions, the opposition further aggravated the situation, having already distributed many government positions among themselves.
Fortunately, at the historic 16th Session of the Supreme Soviet of Tajikistan, the far-sighted deputies elected Emomali Rahmon as Chairman of the Supreme Soviet.
From the first days of assuming leadership, Emomali Rahmon, relying on the high level of consciousness of the people and the principle of national unity, devoted himself to building a sovereign, democratic, law-based, secular and united state. Gradually, he succeeded in bringing the civil war to an end, saving the people from fragmentation, the nation from disappearance and the state from collapse, while also facilitating the return of refugees to their homeland.
In 1997, through the difficult and selfless efforts of the Founder of Peace and National Unity — Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, comprehensive national peace and unity were established in Tajikistan.
Today, our beautiful homeland, Tajikistan, under the wise policy of the Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, is recognized as one of the most attractive tourist destinations, a safe country and a nation known for its initiatives and far-sighted policies.
All these achievements and successes, peace and stability, as well as the sacrifices of our ancestors, oblige us to remain increasingly vigilant and responsible, to value national unity and independence, territorial integrity, solidarity and cohesion, and our Motherland, and to serve the people and the Motherland sincerely and faithfully.
The Tajik people have historically been a united, cultured and educated nation. Through their good deeds and dignified conduct, they have always held and continue to hold a special place among other peoples. It was precisely the unity and cohesion of the Tajik people that enabled our nation to overcome difficult, complex and challenging historical paths and survive to the present day, proudly representing itself to the world.
As we approach the 35th anniversary of the State Independence of the Republic of Tajikistan, I am firmly convinced that each of us will welcome this sacred celebration with constructive and nation-building initiatives and commemorate it with special splendour and a profound sense of patriotism.
E. Rajabzoda — Head of the Department of the State Inspectorate for Technical Information Protection
