Tajikistan, officially the Republic of Tajikistan, is a landlocked country in Central Asia. Its capital and largest city is Dushanbe. Tajikistan is bordered by Afghanistan to the south, Uzbekistan to the west, Kyrgyzstan to the north, and China to the east. The Wakhan Corridor, a narrow strip of Afghan territory, separates Tajikistan from Pakistan.
1910: Jadidist Movement and Russian Response
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Jadidists, a pro-modernization Islamic social movement, emerged in Central Asia. Despite not being inherently anti-Russian, the Jadidists were perceived as a threat by the predominantly Christian Russian Empire.
1913: Russian Intervention in Kokand Khanate
Between 1910 and 1913, Russian troops intervened to quell uprisings against the Khanate of Kokand in Central Asia.
July 1916: Uprising in Khujand
In July 1916, demonstrations in Khujand, Tajikistan, turned violent as people protested against Russian soldiers over the threat of forced conscription during World War I.
1917: Basmachi Revolt and Soviet Repression
After the 1917 Russian Revolution, anti-Bolshevik guerrillas known as basmachi launched a war for independence in Central Asia. The Bolsheviks ultimately prevailed after a four-year conflict, during which they employed harsh measures, including the destruction of mosques and villages and the suppression of the local population.
1924: Tajik Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic
In 1924, the Tajik Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic was established as a part of Uzbekistan.
1926: Shift in Ethnic Composition
Between 1926 and 1959, the ethnic composition of Tajikistan's population shifted dramatically. The proportion of Russians grew from less than 1% to 13%, largely due to the expulsion of local populations during the purges and the subsequent influx of ethnic Russians to fill vacated positions.
1927: Collectivization and Cotton Production
Between 1927 and 1934, the Soviet Union implemented collectivization of agriculture in Tajikistan, with a focus on expanding cotton production, particularly in the southern region.
1927: Stalin's Purges in Tajikistan
Between 1927 and 1934, the first round of Stalin's purges targeted Tajikistan, resulting in the expulsion of nearly 10,000 individuals from the Communist Party of Tajikistan.
1929: Establishment of Tajikistan SSR
In 1929, Tajikistan SSR, formerly an autonomous republic within Uzbekistan, became a separate constituent republic within the Soviet Union.
1929: Tajikistan Soviet Socialist Republic
In 1929, Tajikistan was established as a separate constituent republic within the Soviet Union, known as the Tajikistan Soviet Socialist Republic (SSR).
1934: Resistance to Collectivization
The Soviet collectivization policy faced resistance from some peasants in Tajikistan, leading to violence and forced resettlement. Some peasants, opposing the policy, revived the Basmachi movement.
1934: End of First Purge Round
The first wave of Stalin's purges in Tajikistan, which began in 1927, came to an end in 1934.
1937: Second Round of Purges
A second round of Stalin's purges commenced in Tajikistan in 1937.
1938: End of Second Purge Round
The second round of Stalin's purges in Tajikistan concluded in 1938.
1939: Tajiks Conscripted into Soviet Army
In 1939, Tajiks began to be conscripted into the Soviet Army, a significant event that would later see them participate in World War II.
1946: Bobojon Ghafurov's Leadership
Bobojon Ghafurov, a prominent Tajik politician, became the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Tajikistan in 1946.
1956: End of Ghafurov's Term
Bobojon Ghafurov's tenure as First Secretary of the Communist Party of Tajikistan came to an end in 1956.
1957: Khrushchev's Virgin Lands Campaign
During 1957-1958, Nikita Khrushchev's Virgin Lands Campaign brought attention to Tajikistan's lagging living conditions, education, and industry compared to other Soviet Republics.
1959: Peak of Russian Population
By 1959, the Russian population in Tajikistan reached its peak, constituting 13% of the total population, reflecting the impact of policies implemented during the Soviet era.
1979: Peak of Ethnic German Population
The ethnic German population of Tajikistan reached its peak in 1979 at 38,853.
1988: Dushanbe Tea House Gift
Tajik artisans crafted the Dushanbe Tea House, presented as a gift to Boulder, Colorado, its sister city, in 1988.
1989: Ethnic Russian Population
In 1989, ethnic Russians made up 7.6% of Tajikistan's population.
February 1990: Riots and Strikes in Dushanbe
In February 1990, riots and strikes erupted in Dushanbe and other cities due to challenging socio-economic conditions, including housing shortages and youth unemployment. This unrest saw the emergence of nationalist, democratic, and Islamist groups demanding independence and reforms.
1990: Rise of Tajik Nationalism and Disturbances
By 1990, Tajik nationalists were increasingly vocal in their demands for greater rights, leading to real disturbances within the republic.
September 1991: Tajikistan Declares Independence
On September 1991, as the Soviet Union was disintegrating, Tajikistan declared its independence as a sovereign nation.
September 1991: Independence of Tajikistan
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Tajikistan declared its independence on September 9, 1991, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's history.
1991: Spelling of "Tajikistan"
Prior to 1991, the English spelling of Tajikistan was often "Tadjikistan" or "Tadzhikistan" due to transliteration from the Russian language.
May 1992: Civil War in Tajikistan
Following its independence, a civil war erupted in Tajikistan in May 1992.
1992: Decrease in Hospital Beds
After the dissolution of the USSR in 1992, Tajikistan saw a decrease in the number of hospital beds per capita. However, with 4.8 beds per 1,000 people, the number remained relatively high, exceeding the global average of 2.7.
1992: Emomali Rahmon's Rise to Power
Emomali Rahmon came to power in 1992 after winning the November presidential election, defeating former prime minister Abdumalik Abdullajanov. This victory marked the beginning of Rahmon's long reign in Tajikistan.
1992: Islamic Renaissance Party and Civil War
The Islamic Renaissance Party (IRP), which advocated for an Islamic state in Tajikistan, was a combatant in the 1992–1997 Civil War. By law, it can hold no more than 30% of government positions.
1994: Emomali Rahmon's Rule
Emomali Rahmon assumed leadership of Tajikistan in 1994, heading an authoritarian regime that has drawn criticism for its human rights record.
1994: Decline in Patent Applications
The scientific field in Tajikistan experienced a "crisis" after independence. Between 1994 and 2011, the annual number of patent applications for inventions dropped from 193 to 5.
1996: Richard Nelson Frye on Tajik Origins
In 1996, historian Richard Nelson Frye, an expert on Iranian and Central Asian history, elaborated on the multifaceted nature of Tajik origins, highlighting the intertwining of cultural and linguistic factors in their evolution.
June 1997: End of Civil War in Tajikistan
The civil war in Tajikistan, which began in May 1992, came to an end in June 1997.
1997: End of Civil War and Peace Agreement
By 1997, the civil war in Tajikistan came to an end with a peace agreement between the government and the Islamist-led opposition. This marked a significant turning point, leading to the formation of a central government and paving the way for peaceful elections.
1997: Origins of the Term "Tajik"
In 1997, the Library of Congress's Country Study of Tajikistan investigated the origins of the word "Tajik," acknowledging the complexities surrounding its historical and political context in Central Asia.
1997: Islamic Renaissance Party and Civil War
The Islamic Renaissance Party (IRP), which advocated for an Islamic state in Tajikistan, was a combatant in the 1992–1997 Civil War. By law, it can hold no more than 30% of government positions.
1997: Ceasefire and Peace Agreement
A ceasefire was reached in 1997 between Rahmon and opposition parties, mediated by the United Nations. This peace agreement ended the civil war and guaranteed opposition parties a share in ministerial positions.
1998: Decline of Ethnic Russian Population
By 1998, after the Tajikistani Civil War, the proportion of ethnic Russians in Tajikistan had fallen to about 0.5%. The war had displaced most ethnic Russians, and emigration continued after it ended.
1999: Births Attended by Skilled Health Staff
According to the World Bank, the proportion of births in Tajikistan attended by skilled health staff increased from 66.6% in 1999 to 96%.
1999: Peaceful Elections
Following the peace agreement, Tajikistan held peaceful elections in 1999, signaling a transition towards stability and democratic processes.
1999: Criticism of Presidential Election
The 1999 presidential election, which saw Rahmon's re-election with a significant majority, was criticized by opposition parties and international observers for its fairness.
2000: Post-war economic growth
In 2000, Tajikistan's economy began to grow after the civil war, with GDP expanding at an average rate of 9.6% over the period of 2000–2007, according to World Bank data.
2000: Registered Disabled Population
In 2000, the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare reported 104,272 registered disabled people in Tajikistan. The government and the World Bank were working on support activities described in the World Bank's Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper.
2000: International assistance post-civil war
In fiscal year 2000, international assistance was essential for rehabilitation programs that reintegrated former civil war combatants into the civilian economy, helping to keep the peace. Assistance was also necessary to address the second year of drought, resulting in a continued shortfall of food production.
August 2001: Red Cross announces famine
On 21 August 2001, the Red Cross announced that a famine was striking Tajikistan and called for international aid for Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
September 11, 2001: French Troops Stationed in Tajikistan
Following the September 11 attacks, French troops were stationed at Dushanbe Airport to support NATO operations in Afghanistan, highlighting Tajikistan's role in the international response to terrorism.
2004: Tajik–Afghan Friendship Bridge
In 2004, the United States built the Tajik–Afghan Friendship Bridge, connecting Afghanistan and Tajikistan. This improved Tajikistan's access to South Asia.
2004: Public Health Expenditure
Public expenditure on health in Tajikistan was 1% of GDP in 2004.
2005: Accusations of Election Manipulation
The 2005 parliamentary elections were marred by accusations from opposition parties and international observers alleging that President Emomali Rahmon had engaged in corrupt practices to manipulate the election process.
2005: Withdrawal of Russian Border Troops
Russian border troops, who had been stationed along the Tajik-Afghan border, were withdrawn in the summer of 2005, marking a shift in security arrangements in the region.
2005: Public Spending on Education
Between 2005 and 2012, Tajikistan's public spending on education remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 3.5% and 4.1% of GDP. This was below the OECD average of 6%.
November 2006: Political Passivity and Skepticism of Reform
Ahead of the November 2006 presidential election, observers noted a prevailing sense of political passivity and skepticism towards reform in Tajikistan, attributed to the legacy of the civil war.
November 2006: Boycott of Presidential Election
The November 2006 presidential election was boycotted by major opposition parties, including the Islamic Renaissance Party, indicating a lack of confidence in the democratic process.
2006: Economic transition and remittances
By 2006, Tajikistan had transitioned from a planned to a market economy without substantial aid, relying on remittances from labor migrants as a key driver of economic growth.
2006: Administrative divisions of Tajikistan
In 2006, Tajikistan consisted of 4 administrative divisions: the provinces of Sughd and Khatlon, the autonomous province of Gorno-Badakhshan, and the Region of Republican Subordination. Each region was divided into districts, which were further subdivided into jamoats and then villages.
2006: Drug trafficking and international cooperation
In 2006, Tajikistan held third place in the world for heroin and raw opium confiscations. With increasing assistance from international organizations like UNODC, and cooperation with US, Russian, EU, and Afghan authorities, progress was made in the fight against illegal drug trafficking.
2006: Re-election and Boycott of Election
Rahmon secured his third term in office in the 2006 presidential election. However, this election was boycotted by opposition parties and faced criticism from the OSCE.
2007: Economic expansion
By 2007, Tajikistan's GDP had expanded at an average rate of 9.6% since 2000, improving its economic position among Central Asian countries.
January 2008: Sangtuda-1 hydroelectric power station
On 18 January 2008, the Sangtuda-1 hydroelectric power station with a 670 MW capacity commenced operations. It was part of Tajikistan's efforts to harness its hydropower potential.
2008: Tertiary Education Enrollment
In 2008, Tajikistan's tertiary education enrollment was 17%, lower than the sub-regional average of 37% but higher than any other low-income country besides Syria. Tajiks left the education system due to the "low" labor market demand for those with "extensive" educational training or professional skills.
2008: Rugby Union Officially Registered
In 2008, rugby union was officially registered with the Ministry of Justice in Tajikistan, and three men's clubs were formed.
2009: Tajik Migrant Workers and Traditional Villages
In 2009, close to one million Tajiks worked abroad, mainly in Russia. Over 70% of Tajik women lived in traditional villages.
2009: Religious Freedom and Recognition of Islam
In 2009, the Tajik government officially recognized Sunni Islam of the Hanafi school. Although Tajikistan considers itself secular and its constitution guarantees freedom of religion, it declared two Islamic holidays, Eid ul-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, as state holidays. According to a US State Department release and Pew research group, 98% of Tajikistan's population is Muslim, with 87–95% being Sunni, about 3% Shia, and roughly 7% non-denominational. Shia Muslims, primarily followers of the Ismaili branch, mostly reside in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region. The remaining 2% of the population follows Russian Orthodoxy, Protestantism, Zoroastrianism, or Buddhism.
2009: Increase in remittances
In 2009, Tajikistan saw an increase in remittances from labor migrants, contributing to economic growth and poverty reduction.
2009: Transportation agreements
In 2009, an agreement was made between Tajikistan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan to improve and build a 1,300 km highway and rail system connecting the three countries to Pakistan's ports.
2009: Airport statistics
In 2009, Tajikistan had 26 airports, 18 of which had paved runways, including 2 with runways longer than 3,000 meters.
February 2010: Criticism of Parliamentary Elections
The February 2010 parliamentary elections in Tajikistan faced criticism from international observers for failing to meet democratic standards, despite the ruling party losing some seats.
September 2010: Rebuilding of Ayni Air Base
India completed the rebuilding of the Ayni Air Base, a key military facility in Tajikistan, in September 2010. This project demonstrated India's growing strategic interest in the region.
October 2010: Criticism of Censorship and Media Repression
In October 2010, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) criticized the Tajik government for censorship and repression of the media, including the censorship of websites and pressure on independent printing houses.
November 2010: Conclusion of Military Operation in Rasht Valley
In November 2010, the Tajik military concluded its operation in the Rasht Valley, aiming to quell Islamic militancy in the region. The government asserted its control, but concerns about the rise of militancy persisted.
2010: Polio Outbreak
In 2010, Tajikistan faced a polio outbreak, resulting in over 457 cases among both children and adults and 29 deaths before being contained.
2010: Impact of remittances
In 2010, remittances from Tajik labor migrants totaled an estimated $2.1 billion, an increase from 2009. Remittances played a significant role in driving economic growth and reducing poverty.
2011: Researchers in Universities
In 2011, universities contributed to science in Tajikistan, employing 6,707 researchers, 2,450 of whom held academic degrees.
January 2012: Food insecurity statistics
In January 2012, 680,152 people in Tajikistan were living with food insecurity. Out of those, 676,852 were at risk of Phase 3 (Acute Food and Livelihoods Crisis), and 3,300 were at risk of Phase 4 (Humanitarian Emergency).
July 2012: Eruption of Fighting
Fighting erupted again in July 2012, signaling ongoing instability and security challenges in Tajikistan.
2012: Tri-nation infrastructure agreement
In 2012, the presidents of Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Iran signed an agreement to construct roads, railways, and pipelines to connect the three countries.
2012: Tajikistan Cricket Federation Formed
In 2012, the Tajikistan Cricket Federation was established to oversee the sport of cricket in the country. It was granted affiliate membership in the Asian Cricket Council that same year.
2012: Public Spending on Education
Between 2005 and 2012, Tajikistan's public spending on education remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 3.5% and 4.1% of GDP. This was below the OECD average of 6%.
2014: Highway and Tunnel Construction
As of 2014, Tajikistan, with support from international donors, was working on several highway and tunnel construction projects. These included rehabilitating highways connecting Dushanbe to Chanak (Uzbek border), Kulma (Chinese border), and Kurgan-Tube to Nizhny Pyanj (Afghan border). They were also constructing tunnels under the mountain passes of Anzob, Shakhristan, Shar-Shar, and Chormaghzak.
2014: Physician Density
In 2014, Tajikistan had 2.1 physicians per 1,000 people, more than any other low-income country except for North Korea.
2014: Remittance-dependent economy
In 2014, Tajikistan was the world's most remittance-dependent economy, with remittances accounting for 49% of GDP. The economic crisis in the Russian Federation was expected to cause a 40% drop in remittances in 2015.
May 2015: Defection of Colonel Gulmurod Khalimov
In May 2015, Tajikistan's national security suffered a blow when Colonel Gulmurod Khalimov, a high-ranking security official, defected to the Islamic State, highlighting the threat of radicalization within the country.
2015: Economic impact of Russian crisis
In 2015, due to the economic crisis in the Russian Federation, the World Bank predicted that many Tajik men would return home, facing limited economic prospects, as remittances were expected to fall by 40%.
2015: Russia Sends More Troops to Tajikistan
Russia increased its military presence in Tajikistan in 2015, reflecting its continued strategic interest in the country and concerns about regional security.
January 2016: Anti-Radicalization Campaign
As part of an "anti-radicalization campaign" in January 2016, police in Tajikistan's Khatlon region reportedly shaved the beards of 13,000 men and closed 160 shops selling hijabs. Shaving beards and discouraging women from wearing hijabs is part of the government's campaign to preserve secular traditions and target trends it deems "alien and inconsistent with Tajik culture."
2016: Planned Education System Reform
In 2016, the Tajik government planned to transition from an 11-year primary and secondary education system to a 12-year system.
September 2017: University of Central Asia's Second Campus
In September 2017, the University of Central Asia opened its second campus in Khorog, Tajikistan, offering majors in Earth & Environmental Sciences and Economics.
2018: Infant Mortality Rate
In 2018, the infant mortality rate in Tajikistan was approximately 30.42 deaths per 1,000 children.
July 2019: Support for China's Treatment of Uyghurs
In July 2019, Tajikistan joined 36 other countries in signing a letter to the UN Human Rights Council defending China's treatment of Uyghurs in the Xinjiang region, a move that drew criticism from human rights groups.
2019: Dependence on remittances
In 2019, nearly 29% of Tajikistan's GDP came from immigrant remittances, mostly from Tajiks working in Russia, making the economy vulnerable to external shocks.
October 2020: President Emomali Rahmon re-elected
In October 2020, President Emomali Rahmon was re-elected for another seven-year term with 90% of the vote, following a largely ceremonial election.
2020: "Authoritarian Regime" Designation
In 2020, Tajikistan was ranked 160th in the Democracy Index by the Economist Intelligence Unit and was designated as an "authoritarian regime", highlighting concerns about the state of democracy in the country.
2020: Life Expectancy
In 2020, the estimated life expectancy at birth in Tajikistan was 69 years.
April 2021: Conflict with Kyrgyzstan escalates
In April 2021, a conflict over water with Kyrgyzstan escalated into one of the border clashes between the two countries since independence.
July 2021: Tajikistan appeals for CSTO help
In July 2021, Tajikistan appealed to members of a Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) of ex-Soviet states for help in dealing with security challenges emerging from neighboring Afghanistan. The safety concerns emerged as foreign troops such as the US and British army exited the country, causing over 1,000 Afghan civilians and servicemen to flee to neighboring Tajikistan after Taliban insurgents took control of parts of Afghanistan.
2021: Population and Demographics
According to World Bank data, Tajikistan had an estimated population of 9,749,625 in 2021. The main ethnic group is Tajiks, who speak Tajik, a dialect of Persian. Uzbeks and Russians are minorities whose numbers have declined due to emigration, making Tajikistan the only Central Asian country with an Iranian majority rather than a Turkic majority. The Pamiris of Badakhshan (Yaghnobi people) and a minority of Ismailis are also considered Tajiks.
2021: Alleged Involvement in Panjshir conflict
Following the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, Tajikistan was alleged to have become involved in the Panjshir conflict, supporting the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan against the Taliban.
2021: Tajik Population Distribution
In 2021, approximately 2.4 million Tajik citizens were officially registered in Russia. Tajiks are the primary ethnic group in most of Tajikistan and in northern and western Afghanistan; more Tajiks live in Afghanistan than Tajikistan. They are a minority in Uzbekistan.
2021: Coronavirus Outbreak and Incident
In the summer of 2021, the coronavirus severely impacted Tajikistan. Local media reported that the Tajik president's sister died in a hospital from COVID-19, and her sons physically assaulted the health minister and a senior doctor.
September 2022: Border Clashes with Kyrgyzstan
In September 2022, armed clashes, including the use of artillery, broke out along the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, escalating tensions between the two countries.
2023: Malnutrition rate projection
In 2023, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) projected that the malnutrition rate in Tajikistan would reach 30%. The country faced deteriorating soils and diminishing water resources, particularly due to climate change.
2023: Global Innovation Index Ranking
Tajikistan ranked 111th in the 2023 Global Innovation Index.