Tajik Science Day Date in the current year: April 21, 2024

The history of Tajik science can be traced back to the Persian rule in Central Asia. The Persian Empire was an important center of scientific advancement in both ancient times and the Middle Ages; it was often the conduit of knowledge from China and India to Western civilizations. Many renowned Persian scholars hailed from what is now Tajikistan.

Following the conquest of the Central Asia by the Russian Empire, scientific research in the region was primarily conducted by Russian scientists looking for ways to exploit the newly conquered territory. The development of modern science and technology in Tajikistan began after the establishment of the Soviet rule and the formation of the Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic.

The present-day network of educational, scientific and academic institutions in Tajikistan was mostly created during the Soviet era. The development of science and technology in the country fell into decline after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the independence of Tajikistan, largely due to the Tajik Civil War that lasted for five years.

Over the past two decades, the government of Tajikistan has implemented policies to reform the education system, boost the development of science and technology, and create a national innovation system. One of the main issues regarding research and development in Tajikistan is that all scientific and research activity is highly centralized and disconnected from market needs, whereas industrial research is virtually non-existent, which results in a low research output.

Nevertheless, Tajikistan is a member of several international organizations and projects that foster economic and scientific cooperation including the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program, the Economic Cooperation Organization, the International Science and Technology Center, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Tajik Science Day was established by the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan “On Holidays”. It is celebrated on the third Sunday of April to commemorate the establishment of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tajikistan, which was founded on April 14, 1951 as the Academy of Sciences of the Tajik SSR.

The celebration of Tajik Science Day is coordinated by the Tajik Academy of Sciences. It includes awards ceremonies, conferences, symposiums, seminars, science fairs and exhibitions, wreath-laying ceremonies at monuments to renowned Tajik scientists and intellectuals (Sadriddin Ayni, Bobojon Ghafurov, Muhammad Asimi, Sultan Umarov, Muhammadjon Shakuri, Mirzo Tursunzoda, and others), and other events and activities for scientists, academicians, science students, and the general public.