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Several thousand people attended today's funeral for Nuri, who died on August 9 after a long bout with cancer.

Nuri led the United Tajik Opposition during the 1992-97 Tajik civil war before heading the National Reconciliation Commission that helped guide the country to peace.

Speaking at the ceremony, parliamentary Chairman Mahmadsaid Ubaidulloyev praised Nuri as a "remarkable person" who helped bring peace to Tajikistan.

IRP Deputy Chairman Muhiddin Kabiri told mourners that Nuri had created the party for the benefit of Tajikistan, its people, and the country's future.

Nuri had maintained a low profile in recent years. His IRP is the country's only officially registered Islamic political party.

Tajik Islamic Party's Leader Buried

Dushanbe residents mouring Nuri on August 9 (RFE/RL)
August 10, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- The leader of Tajikistan's Islamic Renaissance Party (IRP), Said Abdullo Nuri, has been buried in the capital, Dushanbe.

Tajik Islamic Party's Leader Buried

Dushanbe residents mouring Nuri on August 9 (RFE/RL)August 10, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- The leader of Tajikistan's Islamic Renaissance Party (IRP), Said Abdullo Nuri, has been buried in the capital, Dushanbe.

Dushanbe residents mouring Nuri on August 9 (RFE/RL)
August 10, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- The leader of Tajikistan's Islamic Renaissance Party (IRP), Said Abdullo Nuri, has been buried in the capital, Dushanbe.