On the morning of May 19, 2026, at the initiative of the Leader of the Nation and President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, a handful of soil from the graves of two national heroes of Tajikistan was transferred from Russia to Tajikistan and buried in an official ceremony in the capital, Dushanbe.
The soil belonged to two prominent figures in Tajikistan’s political history, Nusratullo Makhsum and Shirinsho Shotemur, who are among the six officially recognized National Heroes of Tajikistan. Both played a major role in the formation of the political system and the establishment of an independent Tajik state.
According to reports, during their political struggle, these two historical figures were repeatedly persecuted by left-wing officials of Tsarist Russia due to their protests and persistence in advocating for the creation of an independent state called Tajikistan. They were even sentenced to imprisonment and house arrest. Despite these pressures, they continued their efforts, and during the period when the independent states of Central Asia were being formed, they played an important role—through political coordination and persistent struggle—in securing Tajikistan’s independence and shaping its present-day geographical borders.
According to official sources, the soil of the two national heroes was transported to Dushanbe International Airport by Tajik government officials, where President Emomali Rahmon personally welcomed it and paid tribute.
Following this, a funeral ceremony was held with the wide participation of political figures, government representatives, national councils, and members of the public. The soil was then laid to rest in the Luchob area of Dushanbe, a burial site for Tajikistan’s prominent scientific, cultural, and national figures.
Alongside Nusratullo Makhsum and Shirinsho Shotemur, the soil from the grave of a well-known Tajik cultural figure was also transferred from Russia to Tajikistan.
This cultural personality was Nisar Mohammad, who used the pen name “Afghan.” He was born in Peshawar, Pakistan, and later migrated to Russia. His grave soil was also brought to Tajikistan, and a funeral ceremony was held for him as well. He was buried in Dushanbe alongside the two national heroes.
The government of Tajikistan has officially and legally registered six academic, political, and cultural personalities as National Heroes of Tajikistan, including:
1. Emomali Rahmon (Эмомалӣ Раҳмон)
2. Sadriddin Ayni (Садриддин Айнӣ)
3. Mirzo Tursunzoda (Мирзо Турсунзода)
4. Bobojon Ghafurov (Бобоҷон Ғафуров)
5. Nusratullo Makhsum (Нусратулло Махсум)
6. Shirinsho Shotemur (Шириншоҳ Шоҳтемур)
This action has been described by Tajik officials as part of the country’s policy of preserving historical heritage and honoring the founders of the Tajik state.