Independence Day of Tajikistan

THE Independence Day of Tajikistan, which the country celebrates today, is the main national holiday of the republic. It was on this day in 1991 that Tajikistan earned its sovereignty from Russia. Among the features of the day’s celebration are the traditional three-volley salute; grand fireworks; a parade featuring traditionally dressed Tajik girls on a float; a colorful cultural program including dance performances by school children.

Tajikistan is a landlocked country in Asia. It is bordered by Afghanistan in the south, Uzbekistan in the west, Kyrgyztan in the north, and China in the east. Pakistan to the south is separated by the narrow Wakhan Corridor. Tajikistan has a generally mountainous terrain. Its capital and largest city is Dushanbe; the name means Monday in the Tajik languages. It is believed that it was so named because it grew from a village that originally had a popular market on Mondays.

Among Tajikistan’s points of interest are: the Hindu Kush range with its numerous snow-capped peaks; the National Museum of Tajikistan, which consists of 22 small and large exhibit halls that house exhibits on nature, antiquity, the Middle Ages, modern and contemporary history, and fine and applied arts; the Gurminj Museum of Musical Instruments; the Historical Museum of Sughd in Khujand, Tajikistan, which has a wide range of artifacts related to the history of the Sughd region of Tajikistan; the Dushanbe Zoological Park which was founded in 1960; and the Hisor Fortress, a well-preserved 16th century fort perched on a hilltop amid mountains.

Early this year, Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo received warm felicitations from Tajikistan Foreign Minister Sirodjidin Aslov on the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Philippines-Tajikistan diplomatic relations on March 27, 2017.

We greet the People and Government of the Republic of Tajikistan led by President Emomalii Rahmon on the occasion of its National Day.