NOVEMBER 16 A FATE-DETERMINING DATE: EMOMALI RAHMON, THE ARCHITECT OF PEACE AND NATIONAL UNITY
Every year, 16 November is celebrated as the Day of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan. This date is considered one of the most important and glorious days in the modern history of Tajik national statehood. It is dedicated to the historic services of the revered Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, who—through determination and strong will saved Tajikistan from the abyss of war, fragmentation, and distrust, and strengthened the foundations of a new statehood.
In an extremely difficult period, the revered Leader of the Nation entered the political arena with firm resolve, political wisdom, and devotion to the Motherland, and assumed the heavy responsibility of leading the state at a time when the country was facing severe conditions: civil war, political crisis, and economic collapse. The people were divided, society was unstable, and the state was close to paralysis. In this decisive moment, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon courageously took on leadership and declared with strong will: “For the sake of peace, stability, and the unity of the nation, I will sacrifice my life!” These words not only revived hope in people’s hearts, but also marked the beginning of a new era in the history of Tajik national statehood.
In the history of every nation, there are fateful days and great personalities who, through their service and dedication, determine the path of state development. For the Tajik nation, such a personality is the Leader of the Nation, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon. In recognition of his worthy contributions to strengthening peace, unity, and national statehood, 16 November is celebrated each year as the Day of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan.
The date 16 November 1992 is recorded in the modern history of the Tajik people as a decisive day, when at the 16th Session of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Tajikistan, held in the ancient city of Khujand, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon was elected Chairman of the Supreme Council. The 16th Session was not merely a political event; it became the beginning of a new stage in Tajik statehood.
One of the historic achievements of the revered Leader of the Nation was the restoration of peace and stability. After long negotiations and internal conflict, on 27 June 1997, the General Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and National Accord was signed, bringing the civil war to an end. This document is regarded as one of the most significant and historic achievements, providing the people with an opportunity for peaceful and secure life and establishing the foundations of a stable state.
From that day onward, under the leadership of the nation’s достойный son, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, a peace-seeking and unity-building policy became a central pillar of the country’s political and social life. Through the initiatives of the Head of State, national peace was achieved, state institutions were strengthened, and Tajikistan began moving steadily toward sustainable development.
The Day of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan is an expression of respect and gratitude to the Head of State for his historic role in ensuring peace, national unity, and the country’s stable development. Under the leadership of the Leader of the Nation, Tajikistan has transformed from a war-torn country into a peaceful, resilient, and stable state.
In conclusion, the Day of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan is a symbol of pride in statehood, national unity, and the wise policy of the Leader of the Nation. This day encourages all of us to contribute to the prosperity of the Motherland, the strengthening of peace and stability, and the sustainable development of the country.
Today, under the wise leadership of the beloved President, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, Tajikistan is steadily moving toward sustainable development and a bright future, on the path of building a progressive, cultured, and peaceful society.
This day calls on us the youth of the independence era and followers of the Leader of the Nation—to love our Motherland as the Leader of the Nation does, to cherish the values of independence and peace, and to contribute to the prosperity of sovereign Tajikistan.
Poem:
I sacrificed my youth so that my homeland might stay young,
I crossed the edge of death again and again so its life would be safe.
When autumn winds blew toward the homeland from every side,
I shielded my spring so it would be protected from that fall.
I drove away arrows and bows from this land,
So that forever its sky would shine without weapons.
I swore by my mother’s milk before my own people,
That their fortune and life’s path would be as pure as a mother’s milk.
I offered my open heart and face to the world,
So that my small country would appear boundless in the world’s eyes.
I carried my language to the highest tribunes of the world,
So that my eloquent people might speak in one tongue with the world.
I endured much humiliation and nurtured the bud of hope,
So that this land, blooming with flowers, would never see humiliation.
Every garden brings me a message about hearts blossoming,
Every green field is for me a sign of renewal and growth.
The crumbs and bread of my homeland are above my eyes,
My heart is a confidant to the elders and a companion to children.
I would crown Tajikistan as the jewel of the world,
This is my dream above all thrones and crowns of this world.
Muhammadfaridi Jamshed Head of the Human Resources and Legal Support Department of the Research Institute for Sustainable Development and Green Economy of the International University of Tourism and Entrepreneurship of Tajikistan
