P rominent t ajik f igures of the

Olimov, Karomatullo
Tajik philosopher Karamatullo Olimov was born in Istaravshan on
July 27, 1944. He received his early education in the Soviet schools of
his native city.
Olimov graduated from Tajikistan State University with a degree in
Oriental Studies in 1964. Thereafter, he became the Director of the
Philosophy Department of the Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan. At
the same time, he was the People's Representative to the Tajik Parlia-
ment.
Olimov's contributions include his dissertation in philosophy, which
he completed in 1971, and his doctoral dissertation, entitled Tasavvufi
Khuroson (Khorasonian Sufism). This latter was published in 1994. As
a professor, Olimov has been instrumental in the education of Tajik
youth. Indeed, many doctoral candidates have benefited from his
knowledge of philosophy and have defended their dissertations prepared
under his supervision.
Olimov's other contributions include Jahonbinii Siosi (Political
Worldview, Dushanbe, 1973); Jahonbinii Abdullohi Ansori (Abdullah
Ansari's Worldview, Dushanbe, 1988); Hakim Sano'i: Muntakhabi Osor
(Selected Works of Hakim Sana'i, Dushanbe, 1994), and Barrasiho dar
Tasavvuf (Research on Sufism, Dushanbe, 1999).
Olimov was recognized as a Distinguished Contributor to Science
and Technology (1999), and received the Badge of Honor Award.

---

Iraj Bashiri

228
Olimov has traveled to Afghanistan, Iran, Greece, the United States,

and Austria.
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.