Tajik Wikimedians User Group/Tajik Wikimedians User Group's Participation in Wikimedia CEE Meeting 2024
The Wikimedia CEE Meeting 2024, hosted in Istanbul, was a pivotal event that brought together Wikimedians from Central and Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and neighboring regions. The gathering provided a platform for participants to exchange knowledge, discuss strategies for expanding local language Wikipedias, and address common challenges faced by smaller Wikimedia communities. Through collaborative discussions and presentations, attendees explored ways to promote cultural heritage and strengthen Wikimedia projects across the region.
In preparation for the event, the Tajik Wikimedians User Group followed a structured process to select its representatives. Initially, the group decided that Zolfiqar would attend the meeting as the official delegate. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, Zolfiqar was unable to participate. As a result, the group made the decision to send Zinhorjon Nasriddinzoda in his place to join Mohammad Heidarzadeh. This ensured that the Tajik community was still well-represented at the event and could benefit from the valuable exchange of ideas.
Attending the Wikimedia CEE Meeting 2024 was a highly insightful experience for both of us. Seeing firsthand the advancements made by neighboring countries in developing their local language Wikipedias opened our eyes to the vast potential that remains untapped in Tajikistan. The event underscored the importance of collaboration, raising awareness, and fostering support to build a stronger Tajik Wikipedia platform.
A key realization we took away from the meeting is that local support is essential, both financially and community-driven. While the Wikimedia Foundation provides grants for different initiatives, the true cornerstone of success lies in nurturing an active Tajik-speaking community willing to contribute regularly. During our time at the conference, we connected with fellow Wikipedians from countries with similar challenges, which reinforced the need for a unified strategy to overcome obstacles, such as a lack of public awareness about how to contribute or edit articles.
We also participated in a gathering with Iranian Wikipedians, where we gained valuable insights into their methods for community building and content development. Additionally, a conversation with a representative from Wikimedia Japan offered strategies for promoting collaboration within smaller Wikipedia communities. These experiences left us with fresh perspectives on how we can cultivate a stronger Tajik Wikipedia community, enabling future growth through mutual knowledge exchange and support.
Looking ahead, we are excited about the Central Asia Meeting in Tashkent, planned for 2025. This event will provide another opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation, share resources, and build upon the knowledge gained at the CEE Meeting. The experience in Istanbul left us more motivated than ever to support the growth of the Tajik Wikipedia, which we believe can become a rich and accessible resource for Tajik culture and language, reaching audiences worldwide.