On February 27, 2026, at the initiative of the Department of Humanities and Natural-Mathematical Sciences of the Institute of Tourism of the International University of Tourism and Entrepreneurship of Tajikistan, an International Scientific and Practical Conference entitled “Shahnameh and Human Civilization” was held.
The scientific gathering took place with the participation of domestic and foreign scholars and researchers, both in person and online. It was dedicated to examining the place and role of the immortal masterpiece Shahnameh in the formation of human civilization, national self-awareness, and the strengthening of intercultural dialogue.
The conference was opened by the First Vice-Rector, Mr. Mirzohid Rahimov, who emphasized that the primary objective of the event was to study the spiritual and ethical values of the works of Abolqasem Ferdowsi and to determine their influence on the processes of global civilization-building. It was noted that the Shahnameh is not only the cultural heritage of Persian-speaking peoples but also a priceless treasure of human civilization, playing a significant role in moral education, the revival of humanistic values, and the strengthening of national identity.
During the conference, important scientific topics were discussed, including the analysis of ethical and spiritual values in the Shahnameh, the role of its heroes in shaping human ideals, its contribution to the development of the Persian-Tajik language and literature, and the relationship between literary heritage and contemporary processes of social development.
Tajik literary scholars Sharifmurod Isrofilniyo and Mubashshir Akbarzoda expressed their views on the concepts of wisdom and awareness in the Shahnameh and on the significance of the initiative by Emomali Rahmon to present this masterpiece to every Tajik household.
At the same time, Shodi Shajeei, Candidate of Philological Sciences and lecturer at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, delivered a presentation on “Identity and the Role of Women in Determining Destiny in the Shahnameh.” Dr. Syed Akhtar Husain, Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University, spoke on “Jewels of Wisdom and Eloquence in the Shahnameh.” Professor Rafat Husain of the Persian Language Department at Swiss University discussed the influence of the Shahnameh on Persian literature and global society, while researcher Muhammad Azim from the Muslim Institute of Islamabad presented a report entitled “The Shahnameh and World Mythological Literature: Cultural and Philosophical Connections.”
In addition, Dr. Mehriniso Ilhomovna Ochilova, Professor at the International University of Tourism and Entrepreneurship of Tajikistan, presented a scholarly paper on “Arabic Translations of Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh.”
During the discussion session, participants shared their views on the national and historical significance of Ferdowsi’s works, followed by a productive question-and-answer session. In particular, university lecturer Vahdat Umedjon Daykhudo spoke about Ferdowsi’s mastery of epic poetry and its place in the history of national culture.
At the conclusion of the conference, recommendations were adopted, and the importance of expanding international cooperation in the study of literary heritage and promoting joint research publications was emphasized. It was noted that such conferences can play an important role in strengthening national self-awareness, educating the younger generation in the spirit of patriotism, and fostering respect for universal human values.
The conference was held in a constructive academic atmosphere and fruitful exchange of ideas, creating favorable conditions for strengthening scientific and cultural ties among higher educational institutions. At the end of the event, guests were awarded certificates and commemorative gifts by the university administration.
