DUSHANBE, February 16, 2010, Asia-Plus — The Moscow-based media holding, Tajinfo, has been implementing the ehtnopolitical project, 300 Known Ethnic Tajiks of Russia, since the end of last year.
“To-date, we have selected more than 100 persons for the project, including known politicians, literary men, teachers, physicians, military servicemen, businesspeople, athletes and public figures,” the Tajinfo editor Muhammad Egamzod said in an interview with Asia-Plus.
“The project will start with known Central Asian enlightener, writer, painter and judge of the 19th century Ahmad Donish, who was nominated as secretary for the Bukhara Emirate’s delegation to St. Petersburg in the 1850,” Egamzod said.
We will recall that the first phase of Donish”s career included three trips to Russia. During these trips, he familiarized himself with life in St. Petersburg that expanded his knowledge and world view. During the first trip, for instance, he not only participated in official negotiations but also arranged visits to the literary and industrial centers of St. Petersburg. Upon his return to Bukhara in 1850, however, his high hopes that the Amir would implement some of his suggested reforms were shattered.
In 1868, against all advice, Amir Muzaffar challenged Russia”s might for a second time and was defeated. Following the signing of a forced Treaty of Friendship, the Amir sent a delegation to Russia. Donish was appointed the delegation”s consultant. He spent the period between June 1869 and March 1870 in St. Petersburg reestablishing ties that had been severed by war. During this trip, Donish acquainted himself with the economical, political, and governmental situation of Russia as well as with Russia”s history, especially its ties to Europe. He made the third trip to St. Petersburg in 1883-1884.
The project will also reflect history of life and work of known ethnic Tajiks of the Soviet period such as Abulqosim Lohouti, Bobojon Ghafurov and others, Egamzod said.
According to him, major part of the project is dedicated to the modern time. Many ethnic Tajiks have obtained the recognition of Russian society, making good their positions in political and cultural life of Russia. Among them are internationally known poet and writer Temur Zulfikarov, filmmakers Davlat Khudonazarov, Valery Ahadov and Jamshed Usmonov, researchers Sharif Shukurov and Rustam Shukurov, soccer coach Rashid Rahimov, etc.
The project, aimed at promoting establishment of interethnic dialogue, development of tolerance and exchange of cultural experience, is being implemented in partnership with the Tajik Embassy in Moscow, Tajik national TV channel, Shabaki Avval (Channel One), the Guild of Interethnic Journalism and the Moscow House of Nationalities.
