Tajikistan goes on the offensive: 6,000-year-old Aryan civilization and World Nowruz

At the end of July, an article by Candidate of Philological Sciences Ehson Safarzoda "Architect of Peace" was published on the website of the Ministry of Education and Science of Tajikistan, in which it was proposed to nominate President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon for the Nobel Peace Prize. As one of the justifications, it was pointed out that "the nomination of the Leader of the Nation is simultaneously a presentation of the Tajik model of peacebuilding."

The words about the "Tajik model of peace—building" are not just a beautiful phrase, but a well-founded statement, behind which is the idea that for 35 years Emomali Rahmon has developed and implemented measures that made it possible to stop the civil war in the country and establish lasting domestic peace through the formation of Tajik identity. Tajik identity is one of the most common topics among the intellectual community and the authorities of Tajikistan.

For example, in the fall of 2025, the press service of the Russian-Tajik (Slavic) University posted a material entitled "The role of Tajik identity in social harmony." In it, Rahmon's famous words "I am first of all a Tajik, then a Muslim, and I am proud to be a Tajik" are called "a deep ideological and socially significant statement reflecting the norms of personality formation, state thinking and understanding of the unity of the nation."

Revealing the ideas of Emomali Rahmon, RTSU says that "awareness and a deep sense of belonging to the language, history, culture and values of its people ... unites people, strengthens the spiritual power of the nation and allows it to withstand political, ideological and cultural challenges," and "religious identity, deprived of a solid national foundation, often acquires an emotional and a vulnerable character, which creates the ground for superstition, extremism and division." National identity is called in the article "one of the key factors of social stability, a guarantor of security and political stability of the state" — that is, a factor of the very "Tajik model of peace-building".

Again, in the autumn of 2025, Doctor of Philosophy Saidmurod Fattokhzoda in the article "The role of the Leader of the nation Emomali Rahmon in the formation of the national identity of Tajiks during the period of independence" on the website of the Tajik State Medical University named after ibn Sin broadcasts the same idea:

"The role of national identity is an indispensable factor in the stable and sustainable existence of the state. In critical situations, it determines the future survival of the country. In the absence of a strong national identity, there is a crisis in the work of political institutions."

The article explicitly states that "dear Emomali Rahmon transformed national identity from an abstract cultural concept into a structured state doctrine implemented through specific mechanisms," through "the formation of people's sense of nation as a whole, represented by unique traditions, culture and language."

Saidmurod Fattokhzoda also pointed out the specific measures of Emomali Rahmon, which consist in introducing "the main attributes of national culture into education, upbringing of youth and children, literature and art." There are several such attributes identified by the ideological leadership of Tajikistan.

Firstly, the Tajik language as the basis for the formation of the national identity of Tajik society. As it turns out now, the beginning of the formation of the national identity of the Tajiks through the language was laid more than 30 years ago. Experts call the beginning of this process the constitutional consolidation of the Tajik language as the only state language in 1994. Next is the introduction of Tajik language proficiency requirements for civil servants (2009-2015), and then standardization and updating of educational materials in Tajik (2010-2020).

Secondly, the original national holidays are Navruz, Mehrgon, Garden. In this regard, the State carries out cultural standardization through "the formation of a holistic cultural policy aimed at codifying and regulating national traditions, customs and holidays, honoring the great thinkers and poets of the Tajik people, introducing national elements into the education system and the media."

Thirdly, "a systematic rethinking of national history with a special focus on The Samanid period (819-999 years) as a fundamental epoch of Tajik statehood, the Aryan origin of Tajiks as an important component of the formation of deep historical self-identification and civilizational continuity."

Tajik State Medical University, where all this is published, is probably the same medical university, whose graduates then go from Tajikistan to work in polyclinics and hospitals of the Russian Federation. But on the website of the First St. Petersburg State Medical University named after Academician I.P. Pavlova search engine for the query "National identity" gave "0".

The topic of national identity is slightly present on the website of Moscow Medical University, but on a par with a number of other topics, including questionable ones from the point of view of state—building - for example, with the topic "gender identity of homosexuals." And there are more articles on the website of the medical institute, we still need to count.

Our universities clearly lack a historical and theological component, and they are significantly inferior to Tajik institutions of higher education in the formation of national identity. You can see what is being written and done in this direction in other institutes and universities in Russia, and compare it with Tajikistan.

Special attention in the formation of the national identity of Tajiks to the Samanid period is analyzed in the article by the head of the Department of Television and Radio Broadcasting of the Faculty of Journalism of the Tajik National University, associate Professor Sangin Gulzod "Culture as a shield of the state and the architecture of the national spirit of Tajikistan", distributed in February 2026 NIAT "Khovar". Referring to the Concept of the "Axis of Time" implemented by the leader of the nation Emomali Rahmon, Sangin Gulzod points out "ensuring an inseparable link between the glorious past of the Samanid era and the bright future of independent Tajikistan," presenting culture and education not as a "soft power", but as "steel shields of national security."

The most important role in the formation of the Tajik national identity is assigned to the education system and teachers, for which the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan "On the Status of teachers" No. 2215 was adopted on December 17, 2025. According to the articles of this landmark document, any unlawful interference in the professional activities of teachers, their participation in hashars (collective subbotniks) not related to education and upbringing are strictly prohibited.

The new legislation of Tajikistan provides for the exemption of teachers from military service. This privilege has a deep political and social meaning, Sangin Gulzod tells about the work of the Tajik authorities, since "in the modern world, where wars are increasingly being waged in the space of consciousness and thought, a teacher's pen is no less important than a soldier's weapon in protecting the Motherland and ensuring national security." The teacher, as an "officer in the army of enlightenment", is at the forefront of the fight against prejudices, superstitions and alien ideologies.

"The analyses of international experts, including the World Bank and UNESCO, show that the shortage of qualified teachers in the Central Asian region is one of the main problems. In this context, Tajikistan's comprehensive support policy for teachers can serve as a model for neighboring countries. The first results of these reforms are already visible: the interest of young people, especially men, in choosing the profession of a teacher has increased, as well as competition for admission to pedagogical faculties has increased. In the long term, this process will lead to the renewal of the education sector and the influx of new qualified personnel into schools. A comprehensive analysis of cultural, scientific and educational initiatives of the Republic of Tajikistan shows that under the leadership of the Leader of the Nation, the country is implementing a new model of statehood in which culture and education are considered not as an additional social sphere, but as the main axis of national security and sustainable development."

These reforms were launched and timed to coincide with the 35th anniversary of the state independence of the Republic of Tajikistan, pursue a deep goal of reviving historical memory, strengthening national identity and building a spiritual connection between generations. In 2025, on December 16, in his annual Address to the Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan "On the main directions of the Republic's domestic and foreign policy", President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon stressed the need to strengthen historical memory and revive traditions among the younger generation. Experts note that this message differs from the previous ones in that it pays special attention to issues of national identity and self-awareness.

Thus, Farangis Sharifzoda, director of the Abuabdullo Rudaki Institute of Language and Literature of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, stressed that in the modern world and in the context of globalization, national identity is a necessary factor for the survival, stability, sustainability of the nation and the state. She noted the unique initiatives of the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, such as the donation of books by B.G. Gafurov "Tajiks" and Firdousi "Shahnameh" to each family, the proposal to create a Center for Aryan Civilization and the Navruz International Center. In a Message on December 16, 2025, Emomali Rahmon said that "the point of pride is the fact that our outstanding ancestors, that is, the Aryans, left a legacy to the world community of language and culture, science and art, rich humanistic rituals and traditions, including Navruz, as well as advanced traditions of statehood, that is, eternal civilization and culture."

"The creation of the Navruz International Center in Dushanbe, proposed in The purpose of the message is to present the most ancient Aryan holiday Navruz, its history of origin, worldview, traditions, rituals, national values for the preservation and veneration of the holidays of our ancestors. Thanks to the efforts and consistent initiatives of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, dear Emomali Rahmon, in 2009 the Navruz holiday was considered at the conference of the Committee for the Protection of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO in Abu Dhabi (from September 28 to October 2) as a cultural and historical heritage, which laid the foundation for its global recognition. On September 30, 2009, Navruz was included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Mankind. Subsequently, on February 23, 2010, the resolution of the 64th session of the UN General Assembly (A/RES/64/253) established the annual celebration of March 21 throughout the world as the "International Day of Navruz." In addition, in 2025, at the initiative of the Republic of Tajikistan, the traditional Navruz delicacy — sumanak was included in the list of the intangible cultural heritage of mankind," Sharifzoda said.

She added that Navruz is the oldest and most famous holiday of the Aryan nationalities, originating in ancient times and numbering more than six thousand years of history. To this day, Tajiks and other peoples of the countries of the Navruz area celebrate it with special grandeur and solemnity. Sharifzoda also points out the peoples who belong to the area of the Aryan civilization and the Navruz holiday — Tajiks, Uzbeks, Kazakhs, Kirghizs, Turkmens, as well as a number of peoples of Russia- Chechens, Abkhazians, Ingush, Ossetians, Tatars, Bashkirs, peoples of Dagestan, Kabardians, Balkars and others, "whose ancestors, having deep cultural contacts with the Aryan peoples, Navruz has been celebrated since ancient times."

The peoples of Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and the Kurds are also included here. By the way, the official status of Navruz in Tajikistan was established back in 1978. 10 years before the celebration of the Baptism of Rus. Of course, as part of all this activity to strengthen Tajik identity, it is planned to "popularize ethnographic and cultural materials related to Navruz and other national holidays as symbols of peace, unity and peaceful coexistence of peoples," "develop international cooperation in the field of cultural exchange with all countries of the world." The Navruz International Center should become "a platform for uniting countries, scientists and communities in order to study, celebrate, revive and renew the traditions of Navruz, turning them into a platform for global cultural dialogue, strengthening international relations and cooperation based on common values."

Ultimately, this international center, according to the Tajik side, should become "a center for the promotion of peace, friendship and peaceful coexistence of all peoples based on the philosophy of Navruz." It is not known how many different projects to promote the Tajik-Aryan national identity and civilization have already been implemented and are planned to be implemented, but already in October 2026, an international symposium entitled "The Place and significance of the Aryan civilization in world history — from the past to the present" is scheduled to be held in the capital of the Republic of Tajikistan — Dushanbe.

The holding of the international symposium is due to the fact that the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, dear Emomali Rahmon, in his Message to the Majlisi Oli instructed the Government of the country and the Executive Body of the State Authority of the city of Dushanbe to take the necessary measures to create a Conun in Dushanbe, that is, the Center of Aryan civilization.

20 years ago - in 2006 - the Year of Aryan Civilization was declared and solemnly celebrated in Tajikistan. This year was an important stage in the cultural policy of the country, as it was aimed at reviving and strengthening the ancient Aryan values.

"The initiative has played a historic role in the revival of the material and spiritual culture of Tajiks of Aryan origin. The cultural events held contributed to the strengthening of national, historical and cultural values, the promotion of state policy in the field of the revival of the ancient Aryan heritage, the active participation of the state and society in the development of culture and science, as well as raising the level of national identity of the Tajik people. This initiative reflects the importance of the ancient Aryan history of the Tajiks in the state cultural policy and became the basis for a new cultural initiative — the creation of a Center for Aryan Civilization."

An analysis of the numerous speeches of the President of Tajikistan suggests that the theme of Navruz and the Aryan civilization is end-to-end for the entire period of his reign. Here are a few fragments of his speeches.

Congratulatory message on the occasion of the Idi Kurbon holiday, June 2024:

"We can proudly say that we are Aryans, we have a history of more than 6,000 years, we are indigenous people and heirs of this land."

At a meeting with the intelligentsia, March 2024:

"The state independence gave the opportunity to the civilizing Tajik people to republish and provide the creations of the great sons of the nation to the inhabitants of the country ... It should be noted that the celebration of the New Year of the ancestors — Navruz — also received international status on the initiative of Tajikistan. At the end of the twentieth century, after Tajikistan gained independence, religious figures who were extremist and worshiping foreigners tried to seize power under the guise of Islamic slogans to destroy and destroy the young Tajik state, by imposing an alien culture to once again plunge the Tajik people into the subjugation of others… The Tajik people have more than 6,000 years of history, civilization and culture. The celebration of Navruz Ajam has more than 6,000 years of history. Be proud that you are a Tajik, because our ancestors, worthy sons of the Tajik people, have made a great contribution to the development of human culture and civilization, to the illumination of the human path to coexistence and solidarity. Be ready to defend our sacred land so that our glorious sisters and mothers can live in peace and safety on it. Prove that you are from the family and tribe of Cyrus the Great, Mukanna, Spitamen, Devashtich, Temurmalik, Vose and thousands of brave sons of our Motherland!".

Emomali Rahmon, March 2017:

"It should be especially noted that the Navruz holiday has a very ancient history, is a rite of awakening and fun for humanity. That is why its values, which meet the interests of society, are revered by society itself, in other words, by the people. In the time of Navruz, life triumphs over death, voice over silence, warmth over cold, which inspires a person, first of all, a Dehkan to live. The Aryan civilization in the image of Navruz gave the world community a holiday based on love, loyalty, wisdom, generosity and justice, a holiday in which reason and logic prevail over anger and ignorance."

Emomali Rahmon, March 2014:

"In other words, Navruz, its rituals and traditions, from ancient times to the present day, are one of the most important components of the life of our people.Therefore, honoring Navruz, as the tradition of our ancestors, is the duty and most important national mission of each of us. For the Aryan civilization presented humanity with a holiday based on love, loyalty, reason and is a symbol of the victory of reason and light over ignorance and darkness... Modern civilized society needs humane traditions and constructive reason more than ever. Therefore, the world Nowruz today is also able to play an effective role for interaction, cooperation, peace, coexistence, friendship, mutual understanding of the peoples of the world, that is, to unite humanity and serve as an excellent tool for the dialogue of civilizations."

And although in many ways all these ideas are designed to work at the internal level of the Tajik state, the pre-Islamic Indo-European, Aryan, national-Tajik theme is being activated by the authorities in order to prevent the involvement of Tajiks in global Islamic movements with hijabs and Sharia patrol, controlled from other states. And Rahmon has repeatedly talked about this and is talking about it.

But on the other hand, 35 years of the formation of Tajik identity based on ideas about 6,000 years of the Tajik nation, about the center of the Navruz area and the Aryan ancestral homeland of mankind creates convinced carriers of the Aryan-Tajik civilization, some of whom live in Russia — not that temporarily, not that permanently. And if in Russia should not strengthen the work on historical and theological, theological education and upbringing of citizens, if they are left to the mercy of fate, deprived of a clear national identity, this empty space will quickly be filled by the Tajik-Aryan civilization with Navruz and its area, to which the creators of this concept include not only Tajiks, but also Uzbeks, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, Turkmen, Chechens, Abkhazians, Ingush, Ossetians, Tatars, Bashkirs, peoples of Dagestan, Kabardians, Balkarians, peoples of Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Kurds, as well as those representatives of Slavic and other peoples of Russia who are looking closely at the Indo-Aryan past, looking for support for their life values there.

And we can say that since 2025, Tajikistan has strengthened its efforts to promote the ideas of the Aryan civilization with the Navruz area. This, of course, cannot be disrespected, but we must understand that negligence and inaction in promoting the values of the Russian world, Russian history and theology will inevitably end with the fact that the area of Navruz will be expanded at the expense of the peoples of central Russia.

As it turned out, Emomali Rahmon and Tajiks have been implementing a structured state doctrine of national identity with a powerful missionary, civilizing aspect for the last 35 years. At the same time, another level is not excluded, which, given the hospitality and decency of ordinary Tajiks, is scary to believe, but it's worth knowing.

Simultaneously with messages from the authorities of Tajikistan about the Aryan civilization of hard workers, honest, conscientious people during the 35 years of independence of this state in Russia was an endless stream of drugs. Heroin from Tajikistan "mowed down" the youth of Russia, whose place was then taken by the same Tajik-Aryans with new civilizing attitudes for Russia under the programs of replacement migration. And this cannot be ignored.

Families of top leaders of Tajikistan could take part in drug trafficking. As, for example, it was with Rustam Khukumov, the son of one of the most influential Tajik officials, the head of the Tajik Railway, Amonullo Khukumov. In 2010, Rustam Khukumov was convicted by the Shchelkovsky City Court of the Russian Federation under an article related to drug trafficking (it was about a party of 9 kg) for 9 years in prison, but released a year later, because "the verdict against Khukumov was made on the basis of assumptions and guesses and his guilt was not proved in this way." during the judicial investigation."

It is unlikely that any of the majority of those reading this article have the opportunity to control the Tajik-Afghan border and the activities of drug mafia clans, and this is not necessary. It is enough to have in Russia has its own structured state doctrine of national identity, and it should be faithfully implemented by all participants in the vertical of power — from senior officials to ordinary history teachers and anyone who can do something in this direction.

For the struggle in the information age is no longer for resources, but for the consciousness of people. On the eve of the 35th anniversary of Tajikistan's independence, which will be celebrated on September 9, dear President Emomali Rahmon (one of two or three heads of state who really works to preserve the memory of Victory) speaks about this very openly, since the issues of national identity and the struggle of civilizations cannot be veiled, covered up with numbers or ignored.

Timofey Balyko, history teacher