The statement from the Ministry of Culture of Tajikistan regarding the title “Garibsho” has caused a stir

The Ministry of Culture of Tajikistan responded at its press conference to reports that emerged after the death of Bakhtiyor Rakhimov, the head of the humorous group “Garibsho Kompaniya,” regarding his lack of a state title or award.

Bakhtiyor Rakhimov, a well-known artist and humorist, was the head of the humorous group “Garibsho Kompaniya.” He passed away on the night of June 30 at the age of 57. Following his death, opinions and criticism appeared on social media and in the media about why one of the country’s most famous humorists did not receive a state title or award.

At the press conference, Culture Minister Matlubakhon Sattoriyon expressed condolences to the artist’s family and noted that there are no restrictions for humorists in awarding titles such as “Honored Artist” or “People’s Artist.” According to her, Rakhimov would have already been awarded the badge “Excellence in Culture of the Republic of Tajikistan.”

The head of the Department for the Development of Cultural Institutions and Folk Crafts of the ministry, Abdufattoh Aminzoda, stated that according to current regulations, cultural institutions or local authorities nominate candidates for state titles.

He mentioned that Bakhtiyor Rakhimov did not work in structures related to the Ministry of Culture, and no application had been submitted on his behalf for a state title.

Aminzoda claims that last year, at the initiative of the Ministry of Culture, they contacted the artist and offered to prepare the necessary documents for obtaining a state title and submit an application to the ministry. He stated that Rakhimov was undergoing treatment at that time and was unable to submit the application and necessary documents.

However, Tashrif Khalilov, a close friend and colleague of Bakhtiyor Rakhimov, immediately refuted these claims made by the representative of the Ministry of Culture of Tajikistan. As Khalilov wrote on his Instagram page: “No one from the Ministry of Culture called Bakhtiyor.”

According to him, Bakhtiyor Rakhimov dreamed for many years of receiving a state title. He stated that he had repeatedly suggested contacting the Executive Office of the President of Tajikistan to obtain a state title. Khalilov writes that if the Ministry of Culture had indeed called him, Rakhimov would have certainly informed him about it, and they would have immediately prepared all the necessary documents.

“If they had called from the Ministry of Culture, he would have rushed there. We were together every day. If such a call had come, he would have said that he received good news. Therefore, the truth is that he was never called,” writes Tashrif Khalilov.

Former journalist of the state television “TV Safina,” Orzu Isoev, who had previously interviewed Bakhtiyor Rakhimov several times, criticized the procedure for preparing documents and submitting applications for obtaining a state title.

“Amazing! What kind of statement should I write? ‘I ask you to grant me a state title’ — is that how it should be written? What kind of title is it if it needs to be begged for like a beggar? Can the nature of an artist allow for such conditions?” – writes the journalist.

In his opinion, state titles should be an initiative of competent authorities and awarded to deserving artists as an unexpected recognition, rather than having the artists themselves apply for a state title.

The statement from the Ministry of Culture on this matter has caused a strong reaction on social media. Many users believe that Bakhtiyor Rahimov, even without a state title, will forever remain in the hearts of the people as a folk artist. Others criticized the position of the Ministry of Culture, suggesting that in recognition of his contributions to the development of Tajik humor, he should be posthumously awarded a state title.