Shashmaqam Day is observed in Tajikistan every May 12 to celebrate the shashmaqam music genre, which originated in pre-Islamic Persia and developed in the city of Bukhara, a historical center of trade and culture. This musical style, characterized by its cyclic structure and improvisation, consists of six main maqams and over twenty secondary maqams. The celebration was established by President Emomali Rahmon in 2000 and is included in the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan “On Holidays.” Events such as concerts and festivals are held to promote shashmaqam and preserve it for future generations. The genre is significant in uniting the peoples of Central Asia, having been embraced by both Tajiks and Uzbeks. In 2008, shashmaqam music was recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.