President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon on August 25 presented state awards, honorary titles, and prizes to representatives of various professions in connection with the 35th anniversary of the country’s state independence.

In particular, seven people received the honorary title “People’s Artist of Tajikistan,” and 10 people received the title “Honored Artist of Tajikistan.”

Additionally, one person was awarded the title “Honored Master of Arts of Tajikistan,” 12 people received the title “Honored Worker of Tajikistan,” two people were awarded the order “Sharaf” of the 1st degree, 18 people received the medal “Sharaf” of the 2nd degree, 81 people received the medal “Khizmati Shoista,” and two people received the medal “Shafqat.”

On the same day, 22 people received the jubilee medal “35th Anniversary of State Independence of Tajikistan.” Additionally, ten citizens were presented with the State Prize named after Abuabdullo Rudaki for 2026 in the fields of literature, art, architecture, and journalism.

In Tajikistan, state awards are typically presented on the eve of State Independence Day. Many strive to receive honorary titles and awards for professional achievements.

What benefits do state awards, prizes, and honorary titles provide?

The provision of benefits to holders of state awards is regulated by the law “On State Awards of the Republic of Tajikistan.” Article 33 of this law specifies the benefits provided to persons awarded state awards.

In particular, citizens who have been awarded the title “Hero of Tajikistan” have the following benefits:

• monthly pension supplement of 100%;
• priority provision of housing;
• payment of 50% of the cost of housing in which the title holder and members of his family reside, as well as 50% of utilities expenses;
• annual free provision of a voucher to a sanatorium or rest home if sanatorium and spa treatment is needed;
• once a year free travel throughout the territory of Tajikistan by rail, air, or intercity transport;
• free use of public transport (excluding taxis) throughout the territory of Tajikistan.

Additionally, citizens awarded orders and honored with honorary titles of Tajikistan receive the following monthly pension supplements:

• order “Star of the President of Tajikistan” 1st degree — 50%;
• order “Star of the President of Tajikistan” 2nd degree — 40%;
• order “Star of the President of Tajikistan” 3rd degree — 30%;
• order “Zarrintoch” 1st degree — 40%;
• order “Zarrintoch” 2nd degree — 30%;
• order “Zarrintoch” 3rd degree — 20%;
• order “Ismoili Somoni” 1st degree — 35%;
• order “Ismoili Somoni” 2nd degree — 25%;
• order “Ismoili Somoni” 3rd degree — 15%;
• order “Peshvoi Millat — Emomali Rahmon” — 15%;
• honorary title “People’s Writer (Poet) of Tajikistan” — 20%;
• honorary title “People’s Artist of Tajikistan” — 20%;
• honorary title “People’s Hafiz of Tajikistan” — 20%;
• honorary title “People’s Artist of Tajikistan” — 20%;
• honorary title “Honored Master of Science and Technology of Tajikistan” — 20%;
• honorary title “Honored Master of Arts of Tajikistan” — 20%;
• honorary title “Honored Artist of Tajikistan” — 15%;
• honorary title “Honored Worker of Tajikistan” — 20%;
• honorary title “Honorary Donor of Tajikistan” — 10%.

Pension supplements are provided only to citizens of Tajikistan. If a person is awarded two or more state awards, payments for each title or award are assigned separately.

Also, people’s writers (poets), artists, hafizes, and artists of Tajikistan after death have the right to be buried in the cemetery of famous figures of the country “Luchobi.”

The exact number of holders of state awards in Tajikistan is unknown. Annually, on the eve of state holidays, hundreds of citizens receive such awards and honorary titles.