CEE/Newsletter/Newsroom/From edit-a-thons to partnerships: Wiki25 and Tajik–Uzbek Wikimedians collaboration
- By: Zolfeqar Fatihzadeh (talk)
The Tajik Wikimedians User Group began its Wiki25 activities with an edit-a-thon held from 15 to 25 January 2026. The campaign focused on contemporary topics such as artificial intelligence, digital and media literacy, science and education, culture, and the role of digital platforms in the modern information environment. Nine participants took part in the campaign and collectively created and improved more than 100 articles.
Following the edit-a-thon, the community celebrated the 25th anniversary of Wikipedia with a gathering in Dushanbe. The event, held at Technohub, brought together experienced editors, new contributors, and representatives of academic institutions. It opened with welcoming remarks by Zinhor Nasri, followed by reflections from long-standing contributors. Shohrat Sa’diev shared insights into the early development of Tajik Wikipedia and its growth over the years.
Shortly after, on 29 January, the community also celebrated the 22nd anniversary of Tajik Wikipedia. The event highlighted the achievements of the local community and its increasing contribution to free knowledge.
Saidjalol Husayni, Editor-in-Chief of the Scientific Editorial Office of the Tajik Encyclopedia, emphasized the importance of closer cooperation between academic institutions and the Wikimedia community and announced plans for a high-level academic event in March.
Dustomurod Said highlighted the growing institutional support for Wikimedia initiatives, stressing the importance of collaboration between experts and volunteers in ensuring reliable knowledge online. Discussions also addressed the role of artificial intelligence, underlining the importance of human editorial responsibility.
A notable part of the program was the presentation of the results of the Wiki25 edit-a-thon. Zolfeqar Fatihzadeh summarized the outcomes and presented symbolic prizes to the winners. The event concluded with the presentation of certificates of appreciation to active contributors.
In parallel, from 26 January to 26 February 2026, the Tajik Wikimedians community collaborated with Uzbek Wikimedians in the joint campaign “Wikipedia Loves Olympic Games.” The campaign resulted in the creation and improvement of more than 300 articles between the two languages, strengthening cross-community cooperation and expanding sports-related content.
In addition, a training session for Wikipedia editors was organized at the Main Directorate of the Tajik Encyclopedia. The training introduced participants to modern editing practices, community standards, and practical tools for improving content quality, while also strengthening collaboration between professional encyclopedists and volunteer contributors.
Overall, these activities demonstrate the continuous development of Tajik Wikimedians User Group, combining local engagement, institutional partnerships, and regional collaboration to further develop free knowledge in Central Asia.