Today, June 24, an international scientific conference entitled “The Role of Jurabek Nazri in the Development of Tajik Science and Culture” was held in the hall of the National Library of Tajikistan at the initiative of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan and the A. Rudaki Institute of Language and Literature of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan.

The conference was opened by the Vice-President of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, Salomiyon Muhammaddovud, who emphasized that the scientific, literary and public activities of Jurabek Nazri represent an important page in the history of the development of modern Tajik science and culture.

The President of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, Academician Khushvakhtzoda Qobiljon Khushvakht, noted in his opening remarks that the life and work of the Doctor of Philological Sciences, Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, Member of the Writers’ Union of Tajikistan, Honoured Artist of the Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic and Honoured Worker of the Republic of Tajikistan constitute a vivid example of the integration of science, culture and art and occupy a special place in the modern history of Tajikistan.

It was emphasized that Jurabek Nazri is among those personalities who managed to gain recognition simultaneously as a scholar, researcher, leader and organizer of science, singer and cultural figure. He devoted his entire life to the study and promotion of the literary and cultural heritage of the Tajik people.

It was stated that after graduating from the National University of Tajikistan, Jurabek Nazri began his scientific career. In 1974, he defended his Candidate of Sciences dissertation entitled “Maktabii Sherozi and His Poem ‘Layli and Majnun’”, and in 1996 he defended his doctoral dissertation entitled “Biblical and Qur’anic Narratives Concerning Solomon and Their Evolution in Persian-Tajik Literature”. He worked as a researcher and head of scientific institutions, leading for many years the Institute of Oriental Studies and Written Heritage, and later the Center for Written Heritage under the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan.

It was noted that the main directions of his scholarly research included the history of Persian-Tajik literature, Oriental studies, textual criticism, manuscript studies, source studies, and literary and cultural relations among the peoples of the region. Owing to his profound research, many valuable literary works were subjected to scientific study and introduced to the scholarly community.

It was mentioned that one of Jurabek Nazri’s greatest contributions is the study and revival of the written heritage of the Tajik people. He made a significant contribution to the study of classical Persian-Tajik literature and illuminated important pages of literary history through his research. In particular, his scholarly work on Maktabii Sherozi, studies of “Layli and Majnun”, “Sulaymonnoma” and other literary works have gained high recognition among domestic and foreign researchers. His fundamental work, “Letter Writing in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh”, regarded as one of the most important studies in this field, has been published in Tajikistan and Iran.

It was stated that Jurabek Nazri is the author of more than 150 books, monographs and scientific articles, most of which are devoted to important issues of literary and cultural studies. His activities were not limited to science alone. He was one of the well-known singers of the 1970s and 1980s. Thanks to his distinctive singing style and outstanding talent, he won the affection of thousands of admirers.

Then, the Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Tajikistan, Davlat Safar, noted in his speech that the fruitful and multifaceted activities of Jurabek Nazri as a prominent figure of science and culture of the country have made a significant contribution to strengthening the spiritual foundations of society, developing modern Tajik literature and promoting national culture at the international level.

It was emphasized that the scientific and literary works of Jurabek Nazri, imbued with profound patriotism, national self-awareness and respect for cultural values, will serve as a school of learning and inspiration for present and future generations. At the same time, he considered the holding of such scientific gatherings important for honoring outstanding cultural and scientific personalities and educating the younger generation in the spirit of respect for national heritage.

In addition, the Chairman of the Writers’ Union of Tajikistan, Nizom Qosim, stressed that the scientific and creative personality of Jurabek Nazri occupies a special place in the literary and cultural environment of the country, and that he belongs to the group of intellectuals who devoted their entire activity to serving the development of national literature, preserving and promoting cultural values, and strengthening national self-awareness. He noted that Jurabek Nazri’s scientific works and valuable studies in the field of Tajik literature and the deeper understanding of the nation’s cultural heritage possess great theoretical and practical significance and serve as reliable scholarly sources for researchers and literary figures.

Subsequently, the Director of the State Institution “National Library”, Lutfiya Abdulkholiqzoda, stated in her speech that Jurabek Nazri’s fruitful scientific, literary and cultural activities, as an example of service to science, education and national culture, are of high value. It was noted that throughout his career, Jurabek Nazri made a remarkable contribution to enriching the spiritual treasury of the nation through valuable studies, enduring works and cultural initiatives. His works continue to be studied by researchers, students and admirers of literature and culture, while preserving, promoting and providing access to this precious heritage remains one of the important tasks of the scientific and cultural community.

The conference continued with presentations by scholars and researchers from within the country and abroad, who delivered reports on various aspects of Jurabek Nazri’s scientific and creative activities, his distinguished services and his significant contribution to the development of Tajik science and culture. At the conclusion of the event, a colorful cultural program featuring artists was held.