An international scientific and theoretical conference entitled “Rabia Balkhi – the First Female Poet with a Divan in Tajik-Persian Literature” was held at the National Library of the Republic of Tajikistan.
The event was organized by the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan in cooperation with the Abuabdullo Rudaki Institute of Language and Literature. Scholars, researchers, poets, writers and literary experts from Tajikistan, Iran, Pakistan, Uzbekistan and several other countries took part in the conference.
Addressing the opening session, the President of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan highlighted Rabia Balkhi’s outstanding contribution to classical Tajik-Persian literature and emphasized the importance of her literary heritage for the study of national history and culture.
A key topic of discussion was UNESCO’s resolution to celebrate the 1050th anniversary of Rabia Balkhi in 2026–2027. Participants described the decision as an important recognition of the rich cultural and literary heritage of the Tajik people at the international level.
During the scientific sessions, presentations focused on Rabia Balkhi’s life and works, the literary environment of her era, the linguistic and artistic features of her poetry, the role of women in classical literature, and the influence of her legacy on the development of Tajik-Persian literary traditions.
The international conference will continue its work in thematic sections over the next two days.
