In Tajikistan, May 12 is celebrated as the Day of Shashmakom (ششمقام). This music genre of Persian origin (ششمقام in Persian) was popularized by the Jews of Bukhara, a city now located in Uzbekistan. Shashmakom (or shashamaqam) was performed in Tajik (Persian) and Uzbek by Jews and Muslims; it is widely recognized as one of the traditions that unites the peoples of Central Asia. However, it is Tajikistan, a country with a Persian culture, that has made it its national classical music.
The first recording of shashmaqam music was made in 1923 by the Russian composer, musicologist, and ethnographer Viktor Uspensky. During the Soviet era, this style of music was denigrated and abandoned as it was associated with the feudal system from which it originated. It began to be rehabilitated before the disappearance of the USSR. Today, shashmakom, a major component of Tajik musical heritage, holds a significant place in the contemporary music culture of Tajikistan, alongside traditional genres such as roq, falak, and dargilik. Its ancient pieces remain popular in the mountainous regions of the country. “Talqini Darvoz,” “Iroqi Darvoz,” “Ushshoqi Darvoz,” “Dilangez,” “Chorzarb,” and other songs collected and recorded by Akasharyf Juraev attest to the presence of the shashmakom tradition in the mountains since time immemorial. In 2000, the fiftieth anniversary of the creation of the National Shashmakom Ensemble of Tajikistan was celebrated. On this occasion, by decree of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, relating to the development of shashmakom, it obtained state status and was subsequently renamed the “National Shashmakom Ensemble” in honor of Fazliddin Shakhobov.
Shashmakom is considered a masterpiece of traditional Tajik music and an invaluable treasure of the national heritage. On May 12, 2000, by decree of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, this masterpiece of classical Tajik music was elevated to the status of state music, and every year, this day is celebrated throughout the country as Shashmakom Day. Then in 2003, UNESCO declared Shashmaqam a masterpiece of world music and a spiritual monument of humanity.
An article from the International Almanac of Editions BiblioMonde, May 11, 2026.
