A scholarly and literary gathering was held at the Writers' Union of Tajikistan to commemorate the 1,050th anniversary of Rabia Balkhi, the first female poet of the Persian language. The event brought together poets, writers, researchers, and literary critics to celebrate her enduring legacy.
Participants highlighted Rabia Balkhi's distinguished place in the history of Persian literature and culture and proposed the establishment of a Rabia Balkhi Literary Award. They also suggested naming a public park in Dushanbe after the renowned poet and erecting her monument there.
The speakers emphasized the importance of reexamining Rabia Balkhi's literary heritage through scholarly research and recognizing her true status as one of the pioneers of Persian poetry. Among the keynote speakers were Professor Shodimuhamed Sufizoda, Rustam Vahhob, Hasan Sultan, Professor Umar Safar, Anzorat Malikzad and Professor Alamkhon Kucharzoda, who discussed the literary, philosophical, and linguistic significance of her works.
The gathering concluded with the introduction of a newly published book on Rabia Balkhi and poetry recitals by contemporary Tajik poets in tribute to her life and literary achievements.
Rabia Balkhi, a 10th-century poet and a contemporary of Rudaki, is widely regarded as the first female poet writing in Persian. Although only a small portion of her poetry has survived, she remains one of the most influential and celebrated figures in the history of Persian literature.