Officials within the Ministry of Culture addressed a wide range of issues at a news conference held on July 21, covering the regulation of bloggers, guidelines for national dress, access to performance venues, the condition of libraries, and more.
“Most bloggers are not well-educated”
The ministry has proposed amending the Law on Information and the new Information Code to include provisions regulating the activities of bloggers. Although the proposed content has not been disclosed, ministry officials noted the existence of a draft guideline to curb violations by unprofessional bloggers and content creators.
Bakhtiyor Hamdamov, an advisor to the Minister of Culture, stated that many local bloggers lack basic literacy and do not adhere to language norms. He warned against heavy-handed restrictions, fearing that many bloggers would simply quit.
Hamdamov added that the Blogger Association has submitted several proposals to the ministry, but he declined to share specifics. Authorities have repeatedly criticized bloggers’ content and language, with the Interior Ministry reporting arrests, and the Tax Committee annually releasing a list of bloggers who evade taxes.
Who gets to perform on major stages?
Responding to questions about artist access to top venues like Kokhi Borbad and the Ayni Opera and Ballet Theatre, Culture Minister Matlubakhon Sattoriyon denied any favoritism. “These are public venues. Anyone can apply,” she said.
She dismissed reports that popular singer Jonibek Murodov had been waiting four months for permission to perform. “There was no application from him,” she stated, citing singer Farrukh Hasanov as an example of someone who applied, received approval, and held his concert without issues.
Concert access has been a hot topic since July last year, when it was revealed that renting Kokhi Borbad costs 250,000 somonis. Prominent singers Shabnam Tojiddin and Sirojiddin Fozilov previously alleged that not all artists were allowed to perform there.
National dress guidelines delayed
The long-promised book of recommendations on national attire is still pending publication due to ongoing revisions, officials said. Khurshed Nizomi, head of the Department for Cultural Development, noted that two working groups of scholars have completed a 450-page manuscript currently under review.
While the ministry previously described the book as advisory, its content reportedly includes recommendations on appropriate attire for public outings, weekends, holidays, and formal ceremonies. The timeline for release remains unclear.
National Theatre still in planning
Uncertainty continues over which institutions will move into the new National Theatre, set to open next year in Dushanbe. Ministry official Mirzoolim Saidov said a decision will be made once construction is complete. Speculation has swirled around relocating the Ayni Opera and Ballet Theatre and the Lohuti Academic Drama Theatre to the new venue.
The future of the Lohuti Theatre has been debated for years. In July 2024, the head of the Committee for Construction and Architecture confirmed plans for its demolition—marking the first official statement on the issue.
Rural library development program
Culture Minister Sattoriyon also announced a new “Rural Library Development Program.” A government team has been dispatched to assess the state of libraries in towns and districts. Tajikistan currently has 64 centralized library networks and 1,290 branches, with 839 buildings reportedly in need of repair.
Tajikistan to participate in ‘Intervision’
Finally, Minister Sattoriyon confirmed that Tajikistan will participate in this year’s “Intervision” music competition in Russia this September. The country will be represented by rising singer Farrukh Hasanov, following receipt of an official invitation.
