Celebration of the 1035th anniversary of the Shahnameh of Abul-Qasim Firdawsi in Moscow

On 10 October 2024, a cultural event dedicated to the 1035th anniversary of the Shahnameh by Hakim Abul-Qasim Firdawsi took place in Moscow.

The event was held by the initiative of the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan to the Russian Federation, ​​the Public Council under the Embassy in cooperation with the Moscow State Linguistic University (MSLU).

The event was attended by representatives of relevant Russian ministries, creative and scientific intelligentsia, including poets and writers, scientists, researchers, teachers and students of higher education institutions, as well as compatriots living in Russia.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan to the Russian Federation Mr. Davlatshoh Gulmahmadzoda delivered a welcoming speech to the guests. In his opening speech, the Ambassador of Tajikistan to Russia noted that in Tajikistan, young and old generations are familiar with the Shahnameh of Abul-Qasim Firdawsi. This epic has historical, linguistic, geographical and aesthetic value. Through the millennia, admiring the epic, Tajik families name their children in honour of the heroes of this work. He emphasized the high status and significance of Shahnameh for every citizen of the republic. The Ambassador noted that Abul-Qasim Firdawsi is a poet for all times, his name is immortalized not only in the history of Tajik and Persian literature, but also in the history of world literature.

The guests were also addressed by the Rector of the Moscow State Linguistic University Ms. Irina Kraeva. In her speech, Ms. I. Kraeva noted the activities of the Centre of Tajik Language and Culture, which was founded at the MSLU in 2013. She emphasized the importance of studying the language and culture of friendly and fraternal states that have a strategic partnership.

Students from Russian universities, who are studying the Tajik language with great interest, read the best examples of the poet’s works in Tajik and Russian languages. The program continued with a scene of a theatrical play based on Shahnameh’s tale of Rustam and Suhrob. Classical dances were also performed at the concert.

As a part of the event, an exhibition of national costumes, folk crafts and photos of beautiful landscapes of our homeland were organized.

At the end of the program, the guests were shown a movie by the famous Tajik director Boris Kimyagarov “Rustam and Suhrob”, which left an unforgettable impression on the guests. In addition, the guests left with gifts – a collection of the best movies of «Tajikfilm» over the years.

The event took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Guests were able to fully immerse themselves in the rich culture of the Tajik people.