P rominent t ajik f igures of the

Olimov, Mirzorahmat

Tajik painter Mirzorahmat Olimov was born into the family of the

painter Mirzoolim Nosirov in Khujand in 1891. He joined the CPSU in

1969.

Olimov was one of the founders of Soviet rule in Tajikistan. He

learned the art of painting first from his father and, later on, from the

famed Tajik painter Mirhalim. As a youth, he traveled extensively in

Ferghana with his father learning the tricks of the trade. After his

father's death, he began painting ceilings for mosques and private

houses. In 1916, because of his political involvement, he was exiled to

Kirch, where he worked on the railroad. He participated in the Decade

of Tajik Art in 1941 in Moscow, and received high praise for his work.

His works, mostly related to landmark anniversaries and famous figures

from history, include V. I. Lenin (V. I. Lenin), 40-Solagii RSS Tojikiston

(The 40

th

 Anniversary of SSR Tajikistan), 50-Solagii SSR Tojikiston

(The 50

th

 Anniversary of SSR Tajikistan), San'at az Oni Khalq Ast (Art

Belongs to the People), and Umari Khayyom (Omar Khayyam).

Olimov has not only revived some of the ancient arts of the region,

but has added a new dimension to them. In addition to old motifs, such

as mehrobi, gireh, guli azhdar, qushtanob, ishkelak, guli nasrin,

shohbarg, dumi tovus,  and islimi, he has created new emblematic works

such as dos va bolgha (hammer and sickle), sitorai panj gusha (five-

corner star), ghuzai pakhta (cotton ball), and kabutar (dove). Towards

the end of his life, he taught his skills to many of the youth interested in

his kind of art work.

Olimov became a People's Painter of Tajikistan in 1959, and was

awarded the Order of Lenin, two medals, and the Honorary Order of the

Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of Tajikistan.

Olimov died in Dushanbe on June 15, 1971.