In the history of every people and nation, ancient and ancestral holidays occupy a special place as symbols of identity, the revival of nature, and hope for a bright future. For the Tajik people, one of these sacred and world-famous holidays is Nowruz. Nowruz is a life-giving celebration that originated thousands of years ago and remains a symbol of nature’s renewal, purity, and unity.
In Tajik culture, Nowruz is not merely a holiday; it is also a philosophy of life that reflects harmony with nature, friendship among people, and hope for the future.
Since Tajikistan’s independence, Nowruz has become a beloved holiday in our country and is celebrated with unrivaled splendor and magnificence. This splendor is primarily due to President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, who is rightfully recognized as the “Leader of Nowruz”.
The contribution of the Leader of the nation, Emomali Rahmon, to the revival of the traditions of Nowruz is immeasurable, and thanks to the continuous efforts of the people of the country, Nowruz has also become an international holiday.
In his annual congratulatory messages, the highly values the status and significance of the Nowruz holiday and its historical role. As he emphasized in one of these messages: “The status and significance of Nowruz are so lofty that no obstacles or forces can undermine it.”
These worlds are historically true, because even in difficult times, Nowruz remained in the hearts of the Tajik people and today, thanks to the initiative of the President, it has become a worldwide holiday.
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In his annual congratulatory messages, President Emomali Rahmon frequently highlights the importance and historical significance of Nowruz. As he emphasized in one of his addresses: “The status and significance of Nowruz are so lofty that no obstacles or forces can undermine it.”
The decision to inscribe 76 elements of intangible heritage was taken by 24 States Parties to the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Heritage.
Concurrently, on February 18, 2010, at the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly, a resolution entitled “World Nowruz Day” was adopted under agenda item 49, “World Culture.” In accordance with this resolution, the UN decided to celebrate Nowruz on March 21 as “International Nowruz Day.” This resolution was proposed by the states of Tajikistan, Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkiye, and Turkmenistan.
At the direct initiative of Tajikistan and several countries in the Nowruz cultural area, the celebration of Nowruz was included in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016. The challenges and damage suffered by countries within the Nowruz cultural basin prompted them to propose to the UN that this holiday be officially celebrated together.
In 2010, following the internationalization of Nowruz, it was first celebrated on March 26–27 in Iran.
Recalling the decision of the top leaders of the countries celebrating Nowruz to hold the 3rd World Day of Nowruz in Tajikistan, President Emomali Rahmon invited the heads of state, as well as leading figures in science and culture from these countries, to participate in the Nowruz 2012 celebrations on Tajikistan’s golden land. On March 25, 2012, the 3rd International Day of Nowruz was held in Dushanbe, attended by heads of state and dignitaries from more than 40 countries and representatives of 35 regional and international organizations.
At the same time, during the years of state independence, major national facilities were built and commissioned, further embellishing and enriching Dushanbe. Buildings named after Nowruz were erected and have become centers for major national and international conferences.
In particular, in 2011, Navruzgoh, the largest festive complex in the capital, was unveiled to the public. President Emomali Rahmon, named it “Navruzgoh” and stated: “This area and the adjacent facilities, occupying 28 hectares, were developed at the initiative of the Executive Authority of the City of Dushanbe and have cost nearly 32 million somoni to date, serving the residents and guests of the capital.”
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Navruzgoh includes all the necessary facilities for hosting a wide range of sporting, cultural, and entertainment events, including an 8,000-seat auditorium, a sports hall, a hotel, a conference hall, a café, and other high-quality auxiliary buildings.
Later, on March 19, 2014, in Dushanbe, with the participation of the President, the new Navruzgoh Park, occupying an area of 146,000 square meters, was opened. Located between the Palace of the Nation and Navruzgoh Square in the capital, Navruzgoh Park, along with Rudaki Park and the parks and boulevards near the National Library, the National Museum, the Flag Building, and the State Emblem of Tajikistan, has given the center of Dushanbe a new and remarkable beauty.
Also, in 2015, the President published a book entitled “Nowruz: A Passport of the Nation,” which included many of the Leader of the Nation’s speeches. These speeches, dedicated to Nowruz, are filled with love for this world-famous holiday and call for good deeds and virtuous behavior.
Since independence, a number of Nowruz traditions have been revived, remaining unrivaled in other countries within the Nowruz cultural circle. These include the “Nowruz Caravan,” the “Tulip Walk,” and others.
Today, under the direction of President Emomali Rahmon, construction has begun on the International Nowruz Center in Dushanbe. This center will serve as a scientific, cultural, and tourist hub, preserving and transmitting the values of Nowruz to future generations. Through these initiatives, the Leader of the Nation has not only revived Nowruz but has also presented it to the world as a symbol of peace, friendship, and international cooperation.
Under the leadership of President Emomali Rahmon, Nowruz has become not only a holiday but also a means of educating new generations, promoting tourism, and symbolizing international collaboration.
In this context, the number of scientific works dedicated to Nowruz has increased in Tajikistan, and the historical memory of the Tajik people has been revitalized. Today, this holiday is recognized as a national symbol of Tajikistan and attracts thousands of tourists. It is no wonder that people say, “Tajikistan is the birthplace of Nowruz.”
Thus, through his wise policies, President Emomali Rahmon has demonstrated that preserving our ancestral heritage and presenting it to the world forms the foundation of national progress. Today, Nowruz is a national symbol for the Tajik people, as well as a symbol of peace, unity, and national revival. Thanks to this policy, we can proudly proclaim: “Navruz is international holiday, and Emomali Rahmon is the Leader of Nowruz!”
Dostieva Dilafruz
Dostieva Dilafruz is a Junior Researcher at the Department of South and East Asian Studies, Institute for the Study of Asian and European Issues, National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan.
