Tajikistan plans memorials for beloved writer Sotim Ulughzoda
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In Dushanbe, Tajikistan, officials and cultural figures proposed several ways to commemorate the 115th anniversary of Sotim Ulughzoda, a prominent Tajik writer and playwright.
Nizom Qosim, chairman of the Union of Writers of Tajikistan, submitted a proposal to award Ulughzoda the title of Hero of Tajikistan, alongside poet Abulqosim Lohuti, recognising their contributions to national culture.
Zhilo Gulnazarzoda, rector of the Sotim Ulughzoda Tajikistan International University of Foreign Languages, advocated for establishing a Center for Ulughzoda Studies and Translation at her university to promote his work. Researchers also highlighted lesser-known aspects of Ulughzoda’s career. Doctor of Sciences Khursheda Hoshimova revealed she discovered more than ten short stories by the writer focusing on Tajik soldiers during World War II, compiling them into a collection titled Pages of Courage and Heroism.
Additionally, scholars discussed Ulughzoda’s life and career, noting past restrictions he faced due to tensions between his national views and Soviet ideology, as well as personal hardships. These initiatives extend to a plan to publish a comprehensive 20-volume collection of Ulughzoda’s works by the 120th anniversary of his birth.
The university has already begun translating his works into German and French, and speakers at events recalled Ulughzoda’s dedication to his country, even refusing a celebration during a period of national unrest in 1992. Sotim Ulughzoda, who died in 1997, remains a celebrated figure in Tajikistan, with the Tajikistan International University of Foreign Languages named in his honour.
