Thirty years ago, a small information agency with one computer and a few desks began its work in Dushanbe, where gunfire could still be heard and people stood in line for bread. Today, “Asia-Plus” is the largest media group in Tajikistan with millions of readers, dozens of platforms, and the same main mission — to honestly and clearly report on the life of the country.
In November 1995, we registered a small information agency. The war was still ongoing, and there were queues for bread in Dushanbe. We had one office, one computer, and a couple of employees who took turns working at it. I brought the first desk from home. A few more discarded desks and chairs were purchased from the Firdausi Library. This is how the story of “Asia-Plus” began.
Exactly 30 years ago, on April 2, 1996, our first information bulletin was published. Couriers delivered it by bicycle to embassies and international organizations. In the preface to the first issue, we wrote why we considered it important to publish it:
“…Our country is still far from stability. However, Tajikistan is not only about terrorist attacks or the struggle between the government and the opposition. In the economic, social, and cultural life of the country, complex and often contradictory processes are taking place that require close attention and expert analysis.
“Asia-Plus” intends to cover these processes. In our opinion, this is especially important now when the leadership of Tajikistan declares its intention to accelerate the process of economic reforms. Because the availability of information accessible to society is the first necessary prerequisite for success in any endeavor. Our motto: objective information, free from any political and group biases.”
This was not just a beautiful slogan — it was our promise to the people. And we have tried to uphold it all these years.
We also painted a city trolleybus in bright colors and wrote on it: “Дунё ба умед!” — “Tomorrow will be better!”. It ran through Dushanbe for almost five years. This was our message to a city that desperately needed hope at that time.
Since then, thirty years have passed. A small agency has transformed into a media group. A newspaper, magazine, radio, website, video studio, social networks, special projects, and events have emerged. Today, our audience consists of millions of people in Tajikistan and beyond. We speak three languages. We work on dozens of platforms. But the essence remains the same: to inform people about what is happening in our country and in the world — as honestly and clearly as possible.
The thirtieth anniversary of “Asia-Plus” coincides with the 35th anniversary of the state independence of the Republic of Tajikistan. This is not a coincidence. Our history is inseparable from the history of the country. Without Tajikistan’s independence, there would be no independent Tajik media. We have grown alongside the country, shared in difficult times, and moved forward together.
Therefore, today I want to say thank you once again.
Thank you to our audience — readers, listeners, subscribers. You are the reason we work every day. Your trust is the most valuable thing we have. It cannot be bought. It can only be earned — with every article, every broadcast, every issue. For thirty years, you have been with us — and this is the main result of our work.
Thank you to the state. In the history of “Asia-Plus,” special mention goes to the support from the President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon. It was the decision of the head of state in 2002 that allowed us to launch “Asia-Plus” radio — the first independent radio station in Dushanbe. The President also supported our initiative to organize the “Song of the Year” ceremony and participated in the first ceremony. This support has been for us not only practical assistance but also a sign that a strong national media is in the interest of the country.
Thank you to our partners and advertisers. You believed in us — some of you even back when we were a small bulletin. You entrusted us with your brands, your ideas, your projects. The special projects we are proud of today: TajTech, Made in Tajikistan, “Open Tajikistan!”, “Hello, Neighbors!”, “Audiobook,” and many others — are the result of our joint efforts. We do not just place advertisements. We build bridges between business and society. And we intend to elevate this collaboration to a new level.
Thanks to the “Asia-Plus” team — those who work today and those who were with us before. Over thirty years, hundreds of people — journalists, editors, producers, designers, managers, accountants — have passed through the editorial office. Each left their mark and a piece of their soul. The main reason that made “Asia-Plus” what it is today has always been the people.
Thirty years is not a finish line. It is a point from which to look back in order to move forward. The world is changing. Technology is changing. Journalism is changing. But the need for honest, verified, understandable information does not change. And as long as this need exists, so does our work.
Tomorrow will definitely come. It simply cannot be otherwise.
