HONOURING THE MEMORY OF NATIONAL HEROES AND STRENGTHENING TAJIK NATIONAL IDENTITY IN THE LIGHT OF THE LEADER OF THE NATION’S POLICY

Under this title, today, on May 20, 2026, Kulob State University named after Abuabdullohi Rudaki hosted a scientific and educational conference attended by scholars, researchers, faculty members, and students, dedicated to the return to the homeland of a handful of soil from the burial sites of national heroes.

The event was attended by the university rector, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor Safarzoda Munir Vatan, vice-rectors, academic staff, researchers, and students.

The conference began with the National Anthem and a documentary screening about the lives, political activities, and achievements of distinguished sons of the nation, highlighting the enduring contributions of Nusratullo Makhsum, Shirinsho Shotemur, and Nisor Muhammad to the formation of national statehood and the preservation of the cultural and spiritual values of the Tajik people.

In his opening remarks, Rector Professor Safarzoda Munir Vatan emphasized that in the history of nations there are events remembered not merely as political acts, but as symbols of awakened national memory, moral revival, and historical justice. The noble initiative of the Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Honourable Emomali Rahmon, to return to the homeland a handful of soil from the resting places of prominent national figures - Nusratullo Makhsum, Shirinsho Shotemur, and renowned Tajik enlightener Nisor Muhammad - is among such landmark events.

It was stressed that this initiative is not simply a symbolic act but a reflection of the state’s respect for history, recognition of devoted patriots, and manifestation of the country’s culture-oriented state policy. Indeed, a nation that honours its heroes and preserves their memory never disappears from history. Nusratullo Makhsum and Shirinsho Shotemur were among those exceptional personalities who fought for the establishment of national statehood during one of the most sensitive periods in Tajik history. Owing to their courage, wisdom, and determination, Tajikistan evolved from a limited administrative unit into the Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic, strengthening the foundations of Tajik statehood.

During the conference, Associate Professor Kholikzoda Safar of the Department of Chemistry and Teaching Methodology delivered a presentation entitled “Blessed Be the Steps of These Heroic Travellers, My Tajikistan”, emphasizing that the return of a handful of soil from the graves of national figures is not only a historical event but also a symbol of truth, revived national memory, and strengthened patriotism.

Associate Professor Izatov Umedjon of the Department of Political Science presented a report entitled “The Return of Soil from the Graves of National Heroes as an Embodiment of the Leader of the Nation’s Policy of Restoring Historical Justice”, highlighting the profound political and spiritual significance of this initiative.

The event continued with a presentation by the Rector’s Assistant, Badalov Isfandiyor, entitled “The Restoration of Historical Justice and the Role of National Heroes in Strengthening Tajik Statehood”, where he emphasized that honouring the legacy of distinguished national figures is among the fundamental pillars of national identity and patriotic education.

In conclusion, participants stressed that the scientific and educational conference held under the title “Honouring the Memory of National Heroes and Strengthening Tajik National Identity in the Light of the Leader of the Nation’s Policy” reflects profound respect for the sacrifices of distinguished sons of the nation and demonstrates the academic community’s reverence for the history of Tajik statehood.

It was noted that this historic initiative - the return to the homeland of a handful of soil from the graves of national heroes - reinforces among society, particularly the younger generation, a strong sense of national identity, patriotism, historical memory, and respect for national values.