President Emomali Rahmon Confers High State Honors on Independence Day

Dushanbe, The Gulf Observer: On the occasion of Tajikistan’s Independence Day, President Emomali Rahmon conferred high state awards and honorary titles upon artists, writers, government officials, journalists, and representatives of various fields, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the nation.

Among the honorees, Isfandier Gulomov and Turakhon Akhmadkhonov received the prestigious title of “People’s Artist of Tajikistan.” Akhmadkhonov, a celebrated actor and director who marked his 90th birthday in June, is renowned for his acclaimed productions of Shakespeare’s King Lear, Schiller’s The Robbers, and Atoboev’s Kiyomi Flap. He has devoted more than five decades to the Lokhuti State Drama Theater. Gulomov, a prominent cinema and theater actor and graduate of the Russian Institute of Theatrical Art (GITIS), has starred in both domestic and international films. He was previously named Honored Artist of Tajikistan in 2018.

In the field of literature, Yunus Yusufy was bestowed the title of “People’s Writer of Tajikistan,” while Latofat Kenjayeva was honored as “People’s Poetess of Tajikistan.” Kenjayeva, who also writes under the pseudonym “Sabrin,” is a distinguished poet, writer, and journalist. She celebrated her 75th birthday this year and is the author of numerous collections including Tarona, Rosie Shabnam, and Noma ba Barodar. Many of her works have been translated into other languages, and she has translated leading authors into Tajik.

Additional cultural awards included the title of “People’s Artist of Tajikistan” conferred on singer Davlat Nazri and dance ensemble head Dilorom Sattorzoda.

High-ranking officials were also recognized for their service. Award recipients included Ozoda Rahmon, Head of the Executive Office of the President; Zarobiddin Kosimi, Head of the Presidential Press Service; and Rahim Saidzoda, Minister of Education and Science.

In total, nearly 200 individuals were honored during the Independence Day ceremony. This included:

• 23 recipients of the title “Honored Worker of Tajikistan”;
• 1 recipient of the title “National Writer of Tajikistan”;
• 2 recipients of the title “Artist of Tajikistan”;
• 5 recipients of the title “Honored Artist of Tajikistan”;
• 3 recipients of the Order of Dusti;
• 1 recipient of the Sharaf Order (First Degree);
• 11 recipients of the Sharaf Order (Second Degree);
• 107 recipients of the Hizmati Shoista Medal;
• 7 recipients of the Certificate of Honor of the Republic of Tajikistan.

Furthermore, 12 young scientists were awarded the Ismoili Somoni Prize 2025 for exceptional achievements in science and technology, while 15 scholars received special state prizes for contributions to natural, exact, and mathematical sciences.

The ceremony highlighted Tajikistan’s recognition of cultural excellence, intellectual achievement, and public service, underscoring the nation’s dedication to fostering talent and honoring merit across all sectors.