There are people whose name evokes not only respect in the soul, but also sincere warmth. These are those with whom we have gone through a lot, who remain close at important moments in life, who serve as an example not with loud words, but with daily actions. Bobokhon Ismailov became such a person for us – a friend, comrade, a man of great soul and rare decency. Today he turns 70 years old. An anniversary is not just a number. It is a result filled with meaning, memory and gratitude. It is a life journey that began at the machine tool, continued in university classrooms, in Komsomol work, in life and work abroad, and all this with a constant desire for knowledge, for development, for serving people and the country. Bobokhon is a man with working hands and a warm heart. He began his career as a worker at the machine, where the foundations of labor discipline and responsibility are laid. There he learned the value of real labor. It was there, in the noise of the production shops, that he tempered his character, learned to listen, understand and act. Later – study, active social life, work in the Komsomol, foreign business trips, participation in the development of his country. He never looked for easy ways, on the contrary, he chose those where he could bring the greatest benefit. In the life of each generation there are people who become not just friends, colleagues or neighbors, they become a support, conscience and light of time. Today we celebrate the 70th anniversary of Bobokhon Ismailov, a man whose fate is worthy of deep respect and sincere admiration.
From the roots to the top
Bobokhon was born into a family where respect for work, for the word and for the Motherland was passed down from generation to generation. His father, Bobosherov Kachkullo, was a participant in the Great Patriotic War, awarded the Order of the Patriotic War, 1st class, the Order of the Red Banner, the Medal "For Courage" and other military and labor awards. He was a man of fortitude and courage, who returned from the front with victory and faith in a bright future. The memory of his generation lives on in Bobokhon: in his attitude to life, to people and to the work he undertakes. We often talk about goals, success and achievements, forgetting that every take-off begins with a solid foundation. From the roots to the top is not just a beautiful metaphor, but a life principle: only by remembering our origins can we confidently grow and rise higher. Roots are our history, culture, values. And the tops are our dreams, successes and discoveries. In different parts of the world, Bobokhon represented his homeland with dignity, and in his heart he always remained true to his roots, culture and people.
Seventy Shades of Wisdom
Bobokhon Ismailov is a man of tireless mind. He reads a lot, especially historical literature and Tajik classics. In his library and on his desk are Firdousi, Bedil, Sa'di, Hafiz, Jami, Aini, L. Sherali, B. Sobir, Khabibullo Fayzullo. But the main thing is that he reads everything with his heart. He can recite poems by heart for hours, revealing in each line the philosophy, ethics, and soul of the East. He is not just an expert on Tajik poetry, he is its living continuation, its voice in our time. To talk to him means to touch the cultural layer, the wisdom of generations, the beauty of the word. He doesn't just quote – he experiences each line, filling it with meaning and emotion. It's amazing how one person can combine the spirit of labor feat and a subtle poetic perception of the world.
Intellectual, humanist, citizen
Bobokhon Ismailov is an expert on the history of Tajikistan, a true intellectual who always strives for the truth. His home is a library, his conversations are life lessons. And his children and grandchildren, living and working in Tajikistan, Austria and the United States, continue his path, maintaining respect for their roots and pride in their father and grandfather. There are people who combine in a surprising way the mind and soul, dignity and modesty, inner strength and delicacy. They do not shout about themselves, but they are heard. They do not demand recognition, but become reference points. Today we celebrate the anniversary of exactly such a person – an intellectual, a humanist, a citizen with a capital letter. His life path is a path of growth from deep roots to high peaks of spirit and thought. He often fondly remembers his mentor Fateh Alimov, the man thanks to whom, through his guidance and recommendation, Bobokhon went from being a simple worker to becoming a Komsomol leader and was given the opportunity to prove himself in social activities. A special page in his biography is occupied by his long work in the Central Committee of the Komsomol. The Bureau of International Youth Tourism "Sputnik", which he headed, played an important role in expanding the horizons of the younger generation. Thanks to his work, thousands of young men and women were given the opportunity to travel abroad, get acquainted with the culture of other countries, participate in international camps and exchanges. This was not just tourism – it was a school of life and friendship between peoples. When we walk around the city of Dushanbe or meet with older people, they remember Bobokhon with warmth and often say that it was he who sent them abroad or to youth camps. In this way, they express their gratitude for his care and support.
School of Life: A Trace Left in Hearts and Buildings
Bobokhon Ismailov made a significant contribution to the upbringing of the younger generation, the prosperity of the era of independence of Tajikistan, the development of education and the prosperity of our Motherland. He actively participated in the implementation of investment projects for post-conflict reconstruction and development of the education sector. I can say with confidence that his role in the restoration, development and improvement of the quality of education, as well as in the upbringing of the younger generation, especially secondary school students, is undeniable. From 1998 to 2001, he worked at the Center for Coordination of Credit Projects for Post-Conflict Reconstruction, making an important contribution to construction and reconstruction work in Karategin and Tavildara (now Rasht and Sangvor districts). From 2006 to 2016, Bobokhon Ismailov worked fruitfully in the structures of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan, first as Deputy Director of the Credit Project Management Center, and then as the National Coordinator of the Catalytic Fund grant project. For his significant work and valuable contribution to the development of education, he was awarded the "Excellent Worker in Education of the Republic of Tajikistan" badge.
Family is his pride
As I have already noted, today Bobokhon's children and grandchildren live and work in Tajikistan, Austria and the USA. They are building their lives in other countries, but they carry within themselves that same solid foundation – respect for roots, for family, for the culture that their father and grandfather instilled in them from childhood. This is another confirmation of the strength of his personality: he not only moves forward himself, but also raised a worthy successor. One of Bobokhon's greatest prides is his family. His children and grandchildren maintain respect for their roots, traditions, and home. His daughter Makhvash is finishing school soon and dreams of becoming a marketer in business in the future. His youngest son Shervash is a special leader. He plays football and dreams of becoming a professional footballer. He is an avid Barcelona fan and knows not only the main squad, coach, and reserve players, but also the club's history and every game of the team. One can only rejoice at such interest in sports and such a level of passion. This speaks to the breadth of his family's interests, where science, culture, and sports go hand in hand. He is a true family man. His older children, Parviz, Manuchehr, Khusrav and Nodira are already adults, accomplished people living in different countries, but carrying the same culture of respect, modesty and goodwill that their father instilled in them. They are not just well-mannered – they are brought up in the spirit of caring for people. More than once, they would come up to you, ask how to help, what to do, if everything is okay, and they do it sincerely, for real. This is a living reflection of their father's upbringing.
Master of the kitchen and connoisseur of the taste of life
There is another, special side to Bobokhon – he is an excellent cook and a connoisseur of good wine. And this is not just the ability to cook – it is a real art. When he himself takes on the preparation of dishes for friends, family or guests, the result is always the same – a culinary masterpiece. Everything is done with soul, with warmth, with attention to detail. His cuisine is an extension of his character: generous, refined, but without unnecessary ostentation. This is a cuisine where taste is not just taste, but an atmosphere of friendship, respect and celebration. He knows his way around wine. He knows how to match it to a dish, to a moment, to a conversation. And he always does it subtly, without ostentatious superiority, but with real taste and respect for the culture of the table.
A friend who is always there
A special place in Bobokhon’s life is occupied by his friends, his devotees, who sincerely believe in him. He is a leader in spirit, but has never sought external leadership. Among friends, he is the one who unites, who knows how to not only give a toast and read poetry, but also set the tone for the entire gathering of friends. A leader not by position, but by the call of the heart. A friend who gathers everyone at the table and creates that special atmosphere of coziness, sincerity and humor that is remembered for years. Among friends, he is the life of the party, but not for the sake of loud toasts or attention. He is the one who knows how to listen, who senses the mood of everyone, who can restore peace of mind to the entire company with one word. He is a wonderful combination of the wisdom of years lived and youth of soul. He is a man with an inner light that does not go out, but, on the contrary, is transmitted to those who are near him. In his face we see not just a jubilee, but a real Man with a capital letter. Bobokhon's strength is in his human qualities. He knows how to be there when things are difficult. He knows how to listen, advise without imposing his opinion. He never stands aside when someone needs help. This is the person who comes first not for the sake of gratitude, but because he cannot do otherwise. But perhaps the most important thing is his friendship and humanity. He is always there. A leader among friends. It is easy with him. It is reliable with him. It is truly interesting with him. 70 – and life is in full swing!
A person to look up to
He is an athlete in spirit – fit, active, with a clear mind and strong will. He is not afraid of time, he is in dialogue with it, not in a fight. He is a modern man with eternal values. In Bobokhon I see a man of the era, a man of the family, a man with a soul filled with light. His life is an example of how one can walk the path with dignity, without losing warmth for people, interest in life and love for one's land and culture. A man to look up to – these words sound especially weighty today. In a world where true landmarks are increasingly blurred, where loud slogans often hide emptiness, it is so important to have an example of genuine human worth before oneself. An example that is not formal, not by position, not by regalia, but by essence. He is the one who lives the way he speaks. He never divided people by nationality, faith, origin. In his understanding, humanity is a universal category, beyond borders, beyond conventions. He knows how to listen and hear, to help and not expect gratitude, to remain himself even when it requires courage. He combines wisdom and simplicity, strictness and goodwill, strength of spirit and a subtle sense of justice. That is why people reach out to him for advice, for support, for the truth. He does not impose, he inspires. He does not teach – he lives in such a way that next to him you want to become better. To be next to such a person is an honor. To learn from him is happiness.
His language is kindness, his faith is man
In a world where the voices of division and mistrust are increasingly heard, those who carry the light of mutual understanding and respect for everyone without exception from an early age are especially valuable. Today, I bow my head to Bobokhon Ismailov as a sign of deep respect for a person for whom there are no “strangers” by nationality, faith or place of birth. Even the topic of his PhD dissertation. The problems of interethnic relations in the late 1980s of the 20th century left a deep mark on history, but it is precisely in such difficult moments that the true values of humanity are revealed. Bobokhon’s friendship knows no boundaries: among his friends are people from all over the world and from every corner of Tajikistan. This is a clear testimony to his openness, which becomes especially significant at a time when it was necessary to restore trust and understanding between people of different nationalities. His life path is the path of a true internationalist. He does not divide people into "his" and "others", he knows how to see in everyone, first of all, a person with his own pain, hope, history. And it is this ability to understand, accept, empathize that made him not just a professional, not just an intellectual, but a humanist, a citizen of the world. Its roots are in a rich cultural and moral tradition, where honor, dignity and kindness were not just words, but the norm of life. Its peaks are in the respect it evokes in a wide variety of people, in the sincere gratitude of students, colleagues, friends, and in the deep mark it leaves in the hearts of those around it.
Dear person. Anniversary of the heart
On this day I want to say simply and from the heart: "Thank you, Bobokhon, for being there. You decorate our lives, and we are happy that we can walk next to you. Happy anniversary, dear friend! Let there be many more years ahead – bright, warm, filled with love, meetings and inspiration, and let poetry always sound – in books, in words, and in life itself!
Rakhmon Ulmasov, friend, colleague, associate and comrade