P rominent t ajik f igures of the

Prominent Tajik Figures of the Twentieth Century

301
Shohzoda, Sulton

Tajik poet Sulton Shohzoda was born in the village of Parshnav of
the district of Shughnon, Badakhshan, in 1943.
Shohzoda graduated from Tajikistan State University with a degree
in physics in 1969. Subsequently, he worked at Javononi Tojikiston,
Tojikistoni Soveti, Ma'orif va Madaniyat. His early poems were pub-
lished in Badakhshoni Soveti in 1960 and 1961. His first collection of
poetry appeared under the title of Chashmai Nosir (Nasir's Spring) in
1975. His stories are developed around ethical themes and the protec-
tion of the valuable heritage of the Tajiks.
Shohzoda's contributions include Man va Boron (The Rain and I,
1982); Oshiyoni Uqob (The Eagle's Nest, 1985); Soyai Kuh (The
Shadow of the Mountain, 1986); Parandahoi Obi (Blue Birds, 1988);
and Afsonai Bahor (The Story of Spring, 1995).
Shohzoda joined the Union of Writers of Tajikistan in 1979. He died
in 1995.
Shoismoilova, Sabzajon
Tajik singer and actor Sabzajon Shoismoilova was born in Rushon,
Badakhshan on May 10, 1923. She joined the CPSU in 1950.
Between 1936 and 1940, Shoismoilova performed as a member of
various amateur groups. In 1940, she became an actor at the Drama
Theater of Khorugh. In 1946, when the members of that theater visited
Stalinabad, she stayed and created the following roles: Borsulton in
Qishloqi Tilloi (Golden Village), by M. Mirshakar, and Gulchihra in
Gunahkoroni Bigunoh (Guiltless Sinners), by A. Ostrovskii.
Thereafter, she performed other roles with special ability. Alto-
gether, she has created more than 200 roles. Her singing repertoire, too,
is varied including popular Tajik songs and creations of Tajik compos-
ers, as well as songs created by Soviet artists.
Shoismoilova became a People's Artist of Tajikistan in 1971. She
was the recipient of two Badges of Honor and other medals.