In the modern era, cultural diplomacy has emerged as a critical tool for countries to promote sustainable development and foster mutually beneficial international cooperation. Tajikistan has leveraged this approach effectively, with the traditional celebration of Nowruz serving as a cornerstone of its cultural diplomacy. Nowruz, observed by Tajiks and other Aryan nations, has endured for millennia, preserving its customs and essence.
Thanks to the continuous efforts of Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon, on September 30, 2009, Nowruz, along with 76 intangible elements from different countries of the world, was included in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The decision to include 76 elements of intangible heritage was adopted by 24 participating countries of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Heritage.
It is worth noting that on February 26, 2010, at the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly, under item 49 of the agenda of the session entitled “World Culture”, a decision was made to celebrate Nowruz on March 21 as “International Nowruz Day”. This draft resolution was jointly developed, discussed, and submitted by delegations from Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Turkmenistan. Therefore, by decision of the United Nations General Assembly, “March 21 – International Nowruz Day” was declared.
Regarding the specific features of the international holiday of Nowruz, President Emomali Rahmon, notes that “Nowruz is a celebration of human equality, a religion of friendship and sincerity, tolerance, and the expulsion of hatred and enmity from the hearts.” Therefore, the Tajik people consistently observe the unique characteristics of Nowruz and celebrate the International Nowruz Festival with a pure heart and special sincerity.
Read More: Nowruz: A Symbol of Friendship and Cultural Diplomacy
It is noteworthy that on March 31, 2025, important historical documents – the Treaty between Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan on the point of confluence of the state borders of the three countries and the Khujand Declaration on eternal friendship – were signed in a solemn atmosphere by the heads of state Emomali Rahmon, Sadir Japarov and Shavkat Mirziyoyev. It was the eve of the international festival of Nowruz that brought these three neighboring countries together, laying the foundation for eternal friendship. The founder of peace and national unity, President Emomali Rahmon, was able to overcome border problems with neighboring countries and strengthen regional security and stability through the use of cultural diplomacy. This unique initiative of Rahmon is matchless in international relations, and today the world community recognizes Tajikistan as a peace-loving country.
Navruz is one of the main factors in the cultural diplomacy of Tajikistan in the modern context of international relations. The declaration of the international holiday of Nowruz is a major initiative, as today, not only in Tajikistan, but around the world celebrating it devotedly. The continuous development of cultural diplomacy allows Tajikistan to present its national festivals and state values globally. At the same time, it can be said that Tajik missions in foreign countries also celebrate International Nowruz, thereby presenting their national culture, traditions, values, and ancient history, and playing an important role in strengthening cultural diplomacy.
On April 5, 2025, the international festival of Nowruz was celebrated with special ceremony and glory at the Embassy of Tajikistan in South Korea, where Ambassador Salahiddin Kirom spoke about the traditions and origins of Nowruz. The event was attended by diplomats, expatriates, and guests. In his speech, the aforementioned noted that “Nowruz is a great and ancient tradition of our cultural ancestors, which has been celebrated for more than six thousand years.”
At the same time, Salahiddin Kirom emphasized the role of President Emomali Rahmon in reviving and enhancing the cultural traditions of Tajikistan on the world stage, quoting the valuable words of the head of state’s Nowruz message: “It is precisely the revival of the humanitarian ceremonies of Nowruz and other Aryan celebrations, such as Sada, Tirgon, and Mehrgon, which were achieved through our independence, that ensures the sustainability of the national, cultural, scientific, and literary values of the Aryan people throughout history.” As part of the Nowruz event, participants were treated to a Nowruz feast, including seven sin and seven shin, national dishes, and a cultural performance. Through this, the guests learned about the history, culture, and national values of the Tajiks.
Read More: Nowruz Celebrations in the Arab Countries
It is worth noting that during the international Nowruz festival, people from foreign countries also visit Tajikistan from the countries of Nowruz and other regions to celebrate it. Many tourists pay special attention to the national traditions of the Tajikistan, especially the Navruz. It can be said that one of the unique characteristics of Nowruz is unity and solidarity not only in Tajikistan, but also other nationalities.
Consequently President Emomali Rahmon said in his farewell address: “We should be proud that our wise ancestors made “good thoughts, good words, and good deeds” a great humanitarian value as the motto of their lives. Indeed, Nowruz, which has today acquired international status, Mehrgon, Sada, and Tirgon, which embody the ideas of humanity and respect for nature, and the statehood traditions of our Aryan ancestors, which have played a lasting and influential role in the history of mankind, are the basis of our identity and originality – the Tajiks. It is precisely the direct attention of the Government of the country to national values and historical celebrations and ceremonies, especially to Nowruz, that in order to protect national values and leave a valuable legacy to future generations, the Head of State instructed the Government of the country and the Executive Body of State Power of the city of Dushanbe to establish the “Center of Aryan Civilization” and the “International Center of Nowruz”.
The establishment of these centers could have a significant impact on the country’s direct development and cultural diplomacy. To summarize that the countries pay special attention to preserving the rich traditional and historical heritage and paying tribute to national values, and continuously pursues the direct development promoting their cultural diplomacy.
