THE 16TH SESSION OF THE SUPREME COUNCIL OF THE REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN AND ITS HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
(Dedicated to the President’s Day of the Republic of Tajikistan — November 16)

The formation of every nation is connected to independence and freedom as the main guarantees of its existence. Without independence, no people can be the true owner of its natural and historical heritage. The people of Tajikistan, who regained independence in 1991 after a thousand years without statehood, under the leadership of the esteemed Emomali Rahmon, relying on historical traditions and the experience of developed countries, began building a modern state.

Therefore, the idea of independence, as a fundamental pillar of human freedom, has always been an integral part of national identity and worldview. The bitter experience of some nations, such as the Kurds, shows that independence is not granted to every people. This priceless value, besides being connected to historical opportunities, requires vigilance, patriotism, sincerity, and continuous effort from every individual.
Thanks to the merit, courage, sincerity, and exceptional humanity of Emomali Rahmon, Tajikistan has preserved its national and historical identity in a world full of conflicts.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the country faced many problems: ruptured economic ties, the absence of a national currency, lack of currency and gold reserves, and the outbreak of a severe civil conflict and political-economic crisis.

This situation created a tense socio-political environment and intensified social conflict. The Second Session of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Tajikistan (twelfth convocation) adopted the Declaration of Independence on August 24, 1990.
Although this declaration defined independence within the framework of Soviet authority, it was the first document signaling the approach of full independence. Unfortunately, soon after, irreconcilable internal struggles began, supported by foreign forces, aimed at seizing power, which hindered the realization of the long-awaited dream of full independence.

Political parties and movements appeared on the scene. Their agitation and persuasion led to protests, unrest, and mass demonstrations in the capital — a new political phenomenon in the country’s history. Various groups, many of whose programs were designed abroad, sought power using religious and ideological slogans such as “freedom” and “openness.” All had one goal — to seize political power.

The sessions of the Supreme Council actively discussed the most difficult issues required to lead the country out of crisis.
Innocent citizens firmly demanded an immediate end to the unbearable situation. The question was whether an independent Republic of Tajikistan would survive or disappear. In this critical moment, when state governance was nearly impossible, the 16th Session of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Tajikistan (twelfth convocation) was held from November 16 to December 2, 1992, in the “Arbob” Palace of Culture in ancient Khujand.
On November 19, 1992, the worthy son of the Tajik people, Emomali Rahmon, was elected Chairman of the Supreme Council. A new government was formed.

The main achievement of the 16th Session was the political rise of the distinguished son of the nation — His Excellency Emomali Rahmon.
His election was the greatest success of the session and a blessing for the suffering people of that time.

It must be noted that people waited with great hope for the decisions of the session, which reflected political wisdom and aimed to unite the divided and disheartened nation. Citizens eagerly followed the broadcasts on radio and television.

The 16th Session of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Tajikistan was truly decisive for the entire nation, as it stopped the civil war, restored legal authority, laid the foundations of peace and stability, and initiated recovery and development of the national economy. Although national independence was officially declared on September 9, 1991, its practical implementation began with this historic session.

The greatest success of the 16th Session lies in the fact that it chose a leader capable of assuming state responsibility, uniting the dispersed people, returning refugees to their homeland, and rebuilding the collapsed foundations of the state.

PhD in History, Head of the Department of Law and Humanities
Tajik University of Innovation and Digital Technologies
Boronova Rukhshona