National Theater Established in Tajikistan by Presidential Decree
Dushanbe, The Gulf Observer: A National Theater has been officially established in the capital of Tajikistan following a presidential decree, marking a significant development in the country’s cultural landscape. The newly formed institution will function under the authority of the President’s Executive Office.
The decree establishing the National Theater was signed on December 1. While a director has already been appointed, the theater currently lacks a permanent building. The Ministry of Finance has been directed to ensure funding from the state budget and other available sources. Meanwhile, the State Committee on Investment and State-owned Property Management (GosKomInvest) has been instructed to provide temporary premises until the construction of the theater’s building is completed.
Construction of the National Theater building initially began in 2015 but was suspended in 2017 due to funding constraints. Work on the project resumed in July 2024.
Following the announcement, Asia-Plus sought clarification regarding the artistic staff of the new theater. However, neither the Ministry of Culture nor the Executive Office of the President provided details. Attempts to contact GosKomInvest concerning the location of temporary premises also went unanswered.
At present, Tajikistan has a total of 18 professional theaters, including one in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO), seven in Sughd province, four in Khatlon province, and six in the city of Dushanbe.
On January 7, 2025, President Emomali Rahmon appointed Manouchehr Sharifzoda as Director of the National Theater. Sharifzoda has served as Deputy Minister of Culture since 2020.
