P rominent t ajik f igures of the

Nosirova, Ashura

Tajik dancer Ashura Nosirova was born in the village of Qistakuz of

Khujand in 1924. She is the daughter of the well-known musician,

Nosiri Surnaichi. She joined the CPSU in 1951.

Nosirova received her education at the Women's Technical School in

Stalinabad (1934-39). Her dancing career began as an amateur at

school. In 1939, she participated in one of the republican reviews of

rural talent and was noticed. That same year, she was invited to dance at

the Stalinabad Kolkhoz. From 1940 to 1960, she was a dancer at the

Tajikistan State Philharmonic Society. For several years, she learned the

intricacies of professional dancing by working with the Ensemble of

Soviet Dancers. During the war, she accompanied Tajik artists to the

front and danced for the troops. In her dances, she incorporates the

unforgettably unique aspects of traditional Tajik dance. She is

particularly successful in blending classical Tajik dance with elements

of ballet dancing. Her contributions in this regard include

"Naqorabazm" ("Drum Party"), "Shodiona" ("Joyful"), "Bozii Kalon"

("The Big Game"), "Pakhta" ("Cotton"), Tovus ("Peacock"), "Kabutari

Surkh" ("Red Pigeon"), "Vokhuri" ("Meeting"), and "Dilbar"

("Ravisher").

Nosirova became a People's Artist of Tajikistan in 1947. She also

received the Red Banner of Labor, three Badges of Honor, and other

medals.

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Iraj Bashiri

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

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Nozimov, Zafar

Tajik singer and composer Zafar Nozimov was born in the village of

Saqov in Gharm on June 2, 1940. His talent as a singer and composer

became apparent when he performed as a member of an amateur group.

In 1958, Nozimov became a soloist for the Tajik State Committee

for Radio and Television. In 1962, he became a soloist for the Tajik

State Philharmonic Society. His work reflects his conviction that, in a

composition, the lyrics and the music must support each other.

Nozimov's contributions include the popular songs "Saharnoz"

("Saharnaz"), "Bahor" ("Spring"), and "Ai Shukh" ("O You Coquette"),

which is based on the music by Qodiri. His own creations include

"Nozukbadan" ("Delicate Stature"), based on the poetry of Jami; "Ai

Sitamgar" ("O Tyrant"), based on the poetry of Khojai Kuhistani; and

"Sangi Yodbud" ("Reminiscences Rock").

Nozimov's vast repertoire includes popular songs, love songs, songs

of advice, youth, and the beauties of nature. as well as songs belonging

to neighbors of Tajikistan, especially Afghanistan, Iran, and India.

Nozimov became a People's Artist of Tajikistan in 1974, and was

decorated with a number of medals.