Country HolidaysSeptember

Tajikistan Independence Day

Commemorating Tajikistan's Independence from Soviet Union on "Tajikistan Independence Day"

Tajikistan Independence Day is observed on September 9, commemorating the country’s freedom after the breakup of the USSR in 1991.

About Tajikistan Independence Day

Independence Day of Tajikistan is celebrated annually on September 9. This holiday commemorates the day of September 9, 1991, when Tajikistan officially declared its independence from the disintegrating Soviet Union. The day is observed as the most important national holiday in the Republic of Tajikistan and marked with countrywide celebrations such as fireworks, parades, and concerts.

Tajikistan Independence Day is celebrated on September 9 as a day to mark Tajikistan’s independence from the Soviet Union gained in 1991.
Also called:
Independence Day of the Republic of Tajikistan, State Independence of the Republic of Tajikistan
Observed by: Tajikistan
Type: State Holiday
Significance:
Commemorates the day in 1991 when the Supreme Soviet of the Tajik SSR adopted the Tajikistan Declaration of Independence.
Gained Independence: September 9, 1991
Celebrations:
Military Parades, Fireworks, Flag Decorations
Date: September 9
This year Date:  September 9
Years of independence today:
30 Years of Independence

Tajikistan Independence Day

The Independence Day of Tajikistan falls on Thursday, September 9, – marking Tajikistan’s 28 Years of Independence or Tajikistan’s 30th Independence Anniversary.

Independence History

Before the start of the modern history, Tajikistan had spent long period under different foreign empires – starting with the Arabs and followed by the Persians, the Mongols, the Turkic, the Uzbeks, the Afghans, and finally the Russians.

In the Russian Imperialism of the late 19th century (1860 to 1900), which brought a large portion of Central Asia under Russian Empire, Tajikistan also came under the control of Tsarist Russian.

In 1921, Tajikistan became a part of the Turkestan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic (ASSR). The ASSR also included other modern-day countries of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and parts of Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan.

In 1924, the Tajik ASSR (set up by the Soviets), now became a part of Russia-controlled Uzbekistan, called the Uzbekistan Soviet Socialist Republic (SSR). The Tajiks were forced to leave behind their legacy of Tajik cultures and traditions, and accept their newly ascribed “Uzbek” identity. Under threat of exile and torture, Tajiks were pressurized to change their identity and claim themselves as Uzbeks. The Soviet rulers also stopped appointing Tajiks to government offices, just because of their ethnicity.

In 1929, the Tajik ASSR was separated from the Uzbek SSR and upgraded to the full republic status of an SSR. But before the Tajiks take a sigh of relief for becoming a separate republic in the Soviet Union, the Soviet government introduced some strict policies which injected a fierce sense of nationalism in the local Tajiks…

In 1930, the Soviet government introduced the “Soviet collectivization policy”, under which the economic power of the local peasants was reduced. The peasants were forced to give up their individual farms and join large collective farms. This forced resettlement and violence against peasants provoked extreme anger among the farmers.

Between (1930 to 1938), nearly 10,000 people from the Communist Party of Tajikistan were expelled by the Soviet government and replaced with Russians. This resulted in Russians dominating the party, and the proportion of Russians among Tajikistan’s population grew immensely.

During World War II – 260,000 Tajiks were recruited in the Soviet Army so that they can help in the fight against Germany, Finland, and Japan. As a result of the war, hundreds of thousands of Tajiks were killed.

Between the 1980s to 1990s, the Tajik SSR went into poverty. The quality of living conditions and education, the growth of the industry, and the development rate – the country lagged behind all the other Soviet Republics. The poor condition, unemployment, and lack of equal rights given to Tajiks gave rise to the freedom struggle movements in Tajikistan. The glasnost policy of openness by the Soviet Union leader of that time Mikhail Gorbachev further helped Tajiks in their independence movement.

A year later in 1991, the USSR collapsed. Because of the collapse of Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), Tajikistan declared its independence on 9 September 1991.

Independence Day Celebrations

September 9 in Tajikistan dawns with a three-volley salute, followed by patriotic displays in all the towns and cities of Tajikistan. The grandest of the celebrations take place in the capital Dushanbe, where thousands of Tajiks gather to witness military parades, cultural music and dance shows, and display of advanced tanks and armories.

The streets and main boulevards of every city are beautifully decorated with lights and flags. The locals show their patriotism by decorating their homes, offices, cars, and bikes with flags. The atmosphere is brimmed up with high patriotic energy, with every Tajik celebrating the day with great zeal and enthusiasm.

Other celebratory activities include fireworks, family-get-together, feasting on traditional foods, getting Tajikistan flag face paint, listening to patriotic songs, and honoring the national heroes.

Interesting Facts about Tajikistan Independence Day

  • The Tajik SSR was among the last republics of the Soviet Union to declare its independence.
  • Tajikistan declared its independence on September 9, 1991 – after the collapse of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR).
  • Tajikistan suffered many hardships after independence. The country was torn by Civil War from 1992 to 1997, 1 million were displaced and 150,000 lives were lost because of the internal conflict. In past few years, the nation has gone through restoration and attempts to strengthen the economy. Now, the life is peaceful and the country’s economy is booming.
  • The 9th September Independence Day Parade held every year at Dushanbe Military Garrison on Dousti Square is one of the world’s largest independence day parades.

Happy Wishes Greetings

  • Wishing Tajikistan a Happy Independence Day Celebration!
  • Determine to contribute for the betterment of Tajikistan and it’s people. Cherish the Independence. Feel the patriotism from within. Long live our Tajikistan and its culture.
  • Happy Independence Day to Tajikistan! Here’s hoping for continued progress towards a free and democratic country!
  • Dear citizens of the Republic of Tajikistan! Happy Independence Day! We wish you well-being and peace!
  • Congratulations Tajikistan on the 28th anniversary of your independence!
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