The Days of Tajik Culture have officially begun in Russia, with opening events held at the new stage of the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.  The cultural celebrations are continuing on June 2 and 4 in Moscow and Kazan, TASS reports.

Matlubakhon Sattoriyon, Tajikistan’s Minister of Culture, expressed hope that the event will deepen the traditional ties between the two countries and enrich the cultural and spiritual connection of their peoples.

The official opening was led by Russia’s Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova, who highlighted a program featuring exhibitions and concerts by Tajikistan’s leading artists.  “The scale of the Days of Culture continues to expand, reflecting the strong relationship between our nations,” she said.

The gala concert "Messenger of Friendship" at the Bolshoi Theatre featured performances accompanied by the Tajik State Symphony Orchestra, including dance ensembles "Zebo," "Gulrez," and "Jahonoro," soloists from the "Daryo" ensemble, international contest winner Tahmina Niyazova, and opera singer Sharofat Usmanova from the Tajik Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre named after Sadriddin Ayni.

Sattoriyon reportedly thanked the Russian government and Ministry of Culture for their respect and support of Tajik culture, emphasizing the event’s role in fostering cultural integration.

The opening day also featured an exhibition titled “Beauty of Tajikistan: Heritage for the Future,” showcasing over 30 paintings by Tajik artists, crafts, and other works of art.

Russia commits to supporting Russian theaters in Tajikistan

On the same day, ministers Lyubimova and Sattoriyon met to discuss further cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian fields.

Lyubimova noted ongoing joint projects and reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to supporting Russian theaters in Tajikistan, including the construction of a new building for the Vladimir Mayakovsky Russian Drama Theatre in Dushanbe, which began in March.

They also discussed cooperation in creative education.  Over 100 Tajik students currently study at Russian cultural universities.

During her visit, Sattoriyon toured the Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography, where many Tajik students are enrolled.  Both sides agreed on the potential to expand collaboration in cinematography.

Lyubimova invited Sattoriyon to attend the Saint Petersburg International Forum of United Cultures scheduled for early September.