On the eve of Tajikistan’s National Language Day, ECG vice-president (London) and publisher Marat Akhmedjanov paid a working visit to Dushanbe.
The first day of the international tour began with a fantastic meeting with young Tajik writers and poets at the Union of Writers of the Republic of Tajikistan. The meeting was held in the mode of creative and constructive dialogue, with speeches by Ato Mirkhoja, Deputy Chairman of the Writers’ Union, Gulsifat Shahidi, Keeper of ECG (London), writers from Uzbekistan and young writers from Tajikistan. Marat Akhmedjanov and Taina Kaunis talked to the writers about how ECG (London) and Hertfordshire Press can help creative people promote themselves internationally.
The ECG (London) team were then fortunate enough to visit the Tajik National Conservatory, where students and teachers gave a wonderful concert of classical and traditional music. A particular highlight of this concert was a performance by Tolibkhon Shahidi himself, an outstanding composer of international renown. Tolibkhon Ziyedullaevich became an ambassador for ECG (London) in the field of music, and it was a special pleasure to bring the idea of a music festival to Dushanbe.
The day ended with a presentation of Gulsifat Shahidi’s books and ECG (London) projects at the National Library of Tajikistan. The stunning venue brought together a unique and responsive audience to whom Gulsifat Gafarovna spoke about her books, published in Russian, English and Tajik. Marat Akhmedjanov and Taina Kaunis shared Guild opportunities with the audience, and poet, ambassador and Jonathan Fryer Medal winner Gennady Gorovoy, who travelled to Dushanbe from Almaty, captivated the audience with his poetic performance.
The tour runs until 27 September, for questions about attending the events please contact Taina Kaunis on WhatsApp +44 7938 823815.