The U.S.-Israel war on Iran has deeply affected the citizens of Tajikistan, particularly its politicians and intellectuals. On March 5, many of them gathered at the Iranian Embassy in Dushanbe, where a book of condolences was opened following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior military officials. During the ceremony, Tajik figures expressed their sympathy to the Iranian people.
Journalists from Asia-Plus prepared a report from the ceremony and asked several political, academic, and literary figures present for their opinions on the situation in Iran.
Among the elderly man and the crying woman with a photograph of Khamenei
The ceremony was attended by high-ranking Tajik officials, representatives from foreign diplomatic missions, scientists, writers, and cultural figures, as well as numerous citizens of Tajikistan.
Among those attending on behalf of the government of Tajikistan was Prime Minister Qohir Rasoulzoda, who expressed his condolences to the Iranian ambassador and the people of Iran.
Other Tajik officials, including the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, representatives from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Parliament, the Union of Writers, the National Museum of Tajikistan, and the country’s Grand Mufti, also paid their respects.
Throughout the day, the ceremony was visited by academics, journalists, writers, and cultural figures. Dozens of Tajik citizens came to the embassy and left messages in the book of condolences. One elderly man wore a mourning ribbon around his waist, and a woman, tearfully holding a photograph of Khamenei, stood in silence.
The ceremony was also attended by a large number of Iranians living in Tajikistan, dressed in black and visibly emotional. A large portrait of Ali Khamenei adorned the center of the room, surrounded by flowers and a black mourning ribbon, while the sound of the Quran being recited filled the air.
Ambassadors and diplomats from countries such as Turkiye, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Afghanistan were also present.
During the event, Asia-Plus journalists asked some Tajik political and literary figures for their views on the war between the U.S. and Israel against Iran and their stance on the ongoing situation.
“A very heavy tragedy and shared pain”
Former politician and diplomat Abdudjabbor Rahmonzoda called the events in Iran “a very heavy tragedy,” emphasizing that what is happening in Iran is a shared disaster for all peoples tied together by culture and language.
He stressed that the presence of Tajikistan’s Prime Minister and other officials at the ceremony held significant diplomatic value. According to Rahmonzoda, if a people with shared culture, language, and historical connections to Iranians fail to show support during such difficult times, it could be misinterpreted.
Rahmonzoda added that for a country like Tajikistan, which has experienced civil war and great losses, the events in Iran are particularly painful. However, he expressed confidence that the tragedy would eventually be overcome, and that the future cooperation between the two countries would grow even stronger.
“Great Iran will certainly triumph”
The Chairman of the Union of Writers of Tajikistan and member of the upper chamber of parliament, Nizom Qosim, stated that Tajikistan and Iran have always been “like two bodies and one soul.”
He noted that since Tajikistan’s independence, this bond has only grown stronger. “We consider Iran’s success our success, and its failure our failure,” Qosim said.
Qosim strongly condemned the attacks by the U.S. and Israel, calling it an “unjust assault” and expressing his deep sorrow. He sincerely wished victory for Iran, adding that during these challenging times, Tajik writers stand in solidarity with their Iranian counterparts, recalling their works and shared love for their countries and common culture.
According to Qosim, the shared language is the fundamental foundation of the ties between the two nations. He also stated that such wars cannot destroy the literary connections between Tajikistan and Iran.
He emphasized that war is the enemy of culture, cooperation, and creation, which is why wise people always oppose war, bloodshed, and aggression. The Chairman of the Union of Writers of Tajikistan also condemned the actions of the U.S., Israel, and other countries involved in the war, expressing hope that Iran would endure the trials and defeat its enemies.
“The fate of Iran should be determined by the Iranian people themselves”
Academician Karomatullo Olimov addressed the writers and cultural figures of Tajikistan, urging them to support the Iranian people during these difficult times.
He described the killings as unjust and alarming to people worldwide. Olimov noted that the attack violated the principles of the United Nations and was aimed against all of humanity.
He called Iranian scientists and cultural figures heirs to the great shared civilization of Tajikistan and Iran, stressing that despite the challenges, the Iranian people must continue to fight.
When discussing the impact of the war on scientific cooperation between the two countries, Olimov acknowledged that direct travel and contacts are currently hindered, but expressed confidence that cooperation would not be fully halted.
Olimov concluded, saying, “The fate of Iran should be determined by the Iranian people themselves.”
