5 October 2026, city of Kulob
Dear compatriots!
Distinguished guests!
Today, in the ancient city of Kulob — a land of courage and bravery, patriotism and love for the Motherland, national pride and dignity — we are holding the concluding celebrations dedicated to the great holiday of the new statehood of the Tajik people — the 35th anniversary of State Independence.
On this occasion, I sincerely congratulate all patriotic residents of the city of Kulob, young and old alike.
Today, the glorious people of Tajikistan are also celebrating another important date — the Day of the State Language, which is one of our national sacred values and is among the creative and life-affirming values of the ancient Tajik people.
I sincerely congratulate all of you on this significant holiday.
Thirty-five years ago, the Tajik people achieved their thousand-year-old dream — to establish an independent and sovereign state.
During this short period by historical standards, through the selfless, round-the-clock work and great will of the noble Tajik people, we have succeeded in strengthening the foundations of our national statehood, restoring peace, stability and national unity, laying a solid foundation for the economic and social development of the country, and transforming our beloved Tajikistan into a country advancing along the path of progress and enjoying a worthy standing on the international stage.
Today, with a sense of pride and satisfaction, we declare that all our achievements — from the construction of roads and bridges, power plants and enterprises to the development of education and healthcare, culture, and the significant improvement in the standard and quality of life of the people — are the result of this great blessing, namely independence and freedom, as well as the selfless work of the people of Tajikistan, Khatlon Province, including the patriotic residents of the city of Kulob.
The ancient city of Kulob, owing to its glorious past, holds a special place in the history of Tajik statehood.
Since ancient times, this land has been one of the important centers of civilization and national culture of the Tajiks — the Aryans — and today it also plays a significant role in presenting the material and spiritual values of our people to the world.
In other words, I wish to proudly emphasize that the residents of the ancient city of Kulob are honorably fulfilling the sacred mission of preserving and continuing the world-renowned historical and cultural heritage of the Tajik people.
The inclusion of dozens of historical and cultural monuments of Khatlon Province in the UNESCO World Heritage List under the name “Ancient Khuttal” is an international recognition of the ancient culture and civilization of this historic land of the Tajiks.
Dear compatriots!
We all well remember that during the extremely vulnerable and fateful days of the first years of independence, the worthy and patriotic people of Khatlon Province, especially the courageous and brave residents of the city of Kulob, who possess honor and dignity, made an invaluable contribution to restoring the constitutional order and strengthening peace and stability in our country.
The Government and people of Tajikistan will never forget their selflessness and devoted service.
I once again emphasize that the ancient city of Kulob, with a history of more than 2,700 years, is one of the oldest centers of civilization of the Tajik Aryan people.
During the years of State Independence, thanks to the constant support and care of the state and the Government, as well as the selfless and constructive work of its residents, the city of Kulob has undergone significant improvements and development, and its appearance has fundamentally changed.
On the eve of the 35th anniversary of State Independence, as of 1 October 2026, 493 production and social facilities have been commissioned in the city of Kulob, exceeding the planned target.
Today, during our working visit, another 41 facilities have been commissioned.
During the years of State Independence, more than 3 billion 900 million somoni from the state budget has been allocated for the socio-economic development of the city of Kulob.
During this period, a total of 1 billion somoni in direct foreign investment has been attracted to the city's economy.
In addition, 25 state investment projects have been implemented in the fields of education and healthcare, road construction, energy and other sectors, while another 20 state investment projects are currently being implemented.
During the years of State Independence, the reclamation condition of 1,000 hectares of land in the city of Kulob has been improved, water supply facilities have been constructed and commissioned, and bank protection works have been carried out.
In 2026 alone, 16 million somoni has been allocated to finance land reclamation and irrigation measures in the city.
In accordance with the strategic goal of accelerated industrialization of the country, the development of industry in the city of Kulob should become a factor of economic growth, ensuring sustainable employment and increasing the incomes of the population.
Currently, 77 industrial enterprises operate in the city of Kulob, and during the first eight months of 2026, the volume of industrial production at these enterprises increased by more than 18 percent compared with the same period of the previous year.
During the period of State Independence, improving the housing conditions of the city's population has also remained under constant attention.
During this period, residential buildings with a total area of 618,000 square meters have been constructed and commissioned in the city of Kulob.
More than 8,000 families have been allocated land plots for the construction of individual housing.
In addition, during the years of State Independence, 53 educational institution buildings with 17,000 student places have been constructed and commissioned using funds from all sources of financing.
In 2026, the construction of another 20 educational institution buildings with more than 7,000 student places is continuing.
During the years of State Independence, 84 healthcare facilities have been constructed and commissioned in the city.
As a result of measures implemented by the Government and improved living conditions, the city's population increased from 142,000 people in 1991 to more than 244,000 people in the first half of 2026, that is, by 1.7 times.
It should be noted that hardworking residents of the city, patriotic entrepreneurs and generous individuals have made a significant contribution to the development and beautification of the ancient city of Kulob, especially during preparations for the celebration of the 35th anniversary of State Independence. I sincerely express my gratitude to all of them.
The socio-economic development of the city of Kulob has always been at the center of our attention, and such support within the framework of state projects and programs will continue in the future.
Let me remind you that back in 1999, the 132-kilometer Bokhtar–Kulob railway was constructed and commissioned.
Subsequently, Kulob Airport was reconstructed and modernized and received international status. At present, systematic improvement and beautification works continue on its territory.
Today, we opened 29 new facilities of various purposes in the city, including two automobile bridges with a total length of 233 meters on the Guliston–Kulob road, as well as 63 kilometers of internal city roads reconstructed with the participation of local entrepreneurs. We also laid the foundation stone for the construction of the 33-kilometer Guliston–Kulob road, costing 720 million somoni; the 12-kilometer Kulob–Shamsiddin Shohin bypass road, costing 300 million somoni; as well as several industrial enterprises.
I am confident that the construction of these facilities will be completed in the very near future and will contribute to the further improvement and development of the city.
Dear compatriots!
It should be noted that masters of traditional crafts from the ancient city of Kulob have always represented the rich culture of the Tajiks with dignity and contributed to enhancing its authority and prestige at the level of international organizations.
I am pleased to note that today the unique cultural elements of the people of Kulob, particularly Falak and Chakan, represent the Tajiks on the world stage as a people with a rich culture and a creative civilization.
I am confident that the residents of this ancient city will continue, with a strong sense of national consciousness, patriotism and love for the Motherland, to preserve customs and rituals, national traditions and, most importantly, their constructive and development-oriented activities, achieving ever greater success in improving their region and our beloved independent country — Tajikistan.
With hope for the further improvement and development of the ancient city of Kulob, I once again sincerely and wholeheartedly congratulate the glorious, culturally devoted, honorable and dignified residents of this renowned land on the 35th anniversary of State Independence and wish every family health, joy, prosperity and happiness.
Long live and prosper independent Tajikistan! Honor to the ancient Tajik people — creators of civilization — and to the patriotic custodians of culture, the residents of the ancient city of Kulob!
