DUSHANBE, July 3, 2012, Asia-Plus  -- The Islamic Revival Party (IRP) of Tajikistan intends to celebrate its 40th anniversary next year.

The IRP deputy chairman Mahmadali Hoit told Asia-Plus today that the jubilee events to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the party will be held in April 2013.  “The list of events that will be held on this occasion will be endorsed by the IRP board before the end of this year,” Hoit noted.  

The IRP traces its lineage to the Nahzati Javononi Islomii Tojikiston (Renewal of the Islamic Youth of Tajikistan), an underground organization from 1973, which pushed for a stronger social role for Islam.  This organization was reportedly established on an initiative of the late Said Abdullo Nuri and its founders also included Qori Muhammadjon, Eshoni Nematullo, Hoji Qalandar and Khalid Abdusalom.

As far as the Islamic Revival Party is concerned, it was reportedly founded in October 1990 and it was officially registered on December 4, 1991.  It was banned by the Supreme Court in June 1993 and legalized in August 1999.  Its official newspaper is Najot (Salvation).  According to some sources, IRP now has some 25,000-30,000 members.  It won two seats in the 2010 parliamentary elections.  The Islamic Revival Party of Tajikistan is the only Islamic party registered in CIS Central Asia.