Gulnazar Keldiev People's poet of Tajikistan, member of the Union of Journalists of Tajikistan, member of the Union of Writers of Tajikistan. Date of Birth: 20.09.1945 Country: Tajikistan

1. Biography of Gulnazar Keldiev
2. Achievements and Writing Career
3. Awards and Recognitions
4. Personal Life and Interests

Biography of Gulnazar Keldiev

Gulnazar Keldiev is a prominent figure in Tajik literature and is known as the National Poet of Tajikistan. He was born on September 20, 1945, in the village of Dar-Dar, Tajikistan. Keldiev's father, Mirzo Keldi, was born in 1906, and his mother, Lola Mirzoeva, was also born in the same year. He is married to Sofia Kobilovna Jumaeva, who was born in 1953. They have five children: D.G. Keldiev (born 1972), D.G. Keldieva (born 1973), D.G. Keldiev (born 1977), D.G. Keldiev (born 1982), and D.G. Keldieva (born 1996).

Achievements and Writing Career

Keldiev graduated from the Faculty of Tajik Language and Literature at Tajik State University in 1966. He began his career as a correspondent and deputy editor-in-chief of the youth newspaper "Komsomoli Tojikiston" from 1966 to 1973. In 1968, Keldiev became a member of the Union of Journalists of Tajikistan. In 1973, he joined the literary journal "Sadon Shark" ("Voice of the East") as the deputy head of the department.

Keldiev's writing career started with the publication of his collection of poems in Tajik language called "Rasmi Sarbozi" ("Self-Sacrifice") in 1969. He has since published numerous collections of poems in Tajik and Russian, including "Dastarkhon" (1972), "Nardbon" ("Staircase") (1975), "Agba" ("Pass") (1978), "Pakhno" ("White World") (1981), "Langar" ("Anchor") (1983), "Paye Daryo" ("River's Trail") (1985), "Chashmi Nigin" ("The Herald") (1988), and "Tabhola" ("Burning Blood") (1992). In 1988, he published a collection of poems in Persian script titled "Takhti Rustam."

Keldiev is also known for his translations of works by Marina Tsvetaeva, Rimma Kazakova, Mikhail Svetlov, Robert Rozhdestvensky, Nikolay Gumilyov, and selected poems by Mikhail Lermontov. His notable contribution to Tajik literature includes writing the national anthem of Tajikistan in 1994, which won him the State Rudaki Award. He also composed the anthem for Tajik peacekeepers in 1996.

Besides poetry, Keldiev has written two plays. The first one, "Mansuri Khalldzh," is about a man who proclaimed himself as a god in the 10th century and was brutally killed. The second play, "Itot Gazzali," is dedicated to the renowned Islamic scholar who won debates against Khayyam, Firdawsi, and Nizami.

Awards and Recognitions

Throughout his career, Keldiev has received several awards and honors for his contributions to literature and poetry. He was honored with the Lenin Komsomol of Tajikistan Award in 1985 and the Tursun-Zade Award in 1991. In 1995, he was bestowed with the prestigious title of National Poet of Tajikistan. Keldiev's work on the national anthem of Tajikistan was recognized with the State Rudaki Award in 1994.

Personal Life and Interests

Keldiev has a deep appreciation for literature and enjoys reading the "Gazelles of Hafez" and the "Rubaiyat of Khayyam." He is also fond of the poetry of Marina Tsvetaeva. In addition to literature, he has a passion for classical Tajik and world music. He particularly admires the contemporary songwriter and performer, Oleg Gazmanov.

Keldiev resides and works in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, with his family. His address is 10 Somoni Avenue, Apartment 15, Dushanbe, Tajikistan, 734001. He can be contacted at 24-56-78.