Zaamin, Uzbakistan, 30 June 2024

By Ashraf Siddiqui

The second Maqom International Art Forum, an initiative of Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, commenced with glowing tribunes to great Muslim poets and scholars amid a colourful mega opening ceremony in Uzbekistan’s city of Zaamin Town on Thursday.

The unique initiative by Uzbek president is aimed at preserving musical heritage, and the culture of the region and of Muslim world as well as local values and literature.

The guests included Simona-Mirela Miculescu, president of the General Conference of UNESCO; Salim Muhammad Al Malik, director-general of UNESCO; Sultan Rayev, secretary-general of TURKSOY; Oltinbek Maksutov, minister of Information, Sports and Youth Policy of Kyrgystan; Adil Gabil Ogle Karimli, minister of Culture of Azerbaijan; Aktoti Raimkulova, president of the Turkish Culture and Heritage Foundation;Mehmet Sureyya Er, secretary-general of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States; Hamdo Nurlan Seytimov, deputy secretary-general, Commonwealth of Independent States; Yalchin Topcu, chief advisor to the President of Turkey; Malik Otarbayev, advisor to the President of Kazakhstan; Abdullah Rahmonzada, assistant to the President of Tajikistan for Social Development, Culture and Public Relations; dignitaries, diplomats, guests and participating educationists, experts and music artistes.

The unique and amazing event had two parts based on the composition of poetry of great Muslim scholars, including Alisher Navoi (1441-1501), Nizam Uddin Ganjaviy (1141-1209), Amir Khusrrau Dehlvi (1253-1325) and Abdula Rahman Jami (1414-1492). Second part featured 20 displays from the Uzbekistan regional heritage from Ferghana, Tashkent, Khorezm, Karakalpak, Surkhandarya and Kashkadarya.

Prominent artistes at the event included Uzbekistan Cultural Minister Ozodbek Nazarbekov, who is a well-known pop-singer, Yulduz Usmonova, Matchanov Ochilbek, Abduhoshim Ismoilov; Munojot Yulchiyeva; Gulbahor Erqulova, Cigdem Gurdal, among others.

In his key note address, Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev admired his country as a nation rich in distinctive traditions and values.

He said, “Today marks a significant occasion as we gather in this magnificent land, adorned by majestic mountains and lush forests, to celebrate the artistry and cultural heritage that define our collective identity. This conference follows the inaugural international status art festival held in Shahrisabz in 2018, renewing our spirits after a hiatus imposed by the pandemic.

“Our region, renowned for its archaeological wonders and scholarly contributions, has been a beacon of civilisation, nurturing science, art and enlightenment for centuries. It is here that figures like Allama Muhammad ibn Mahmud Ustrushani (13th century) in his groundbreaking work ‘The Code of Children’s Rights’ pioneered early discourse on children’s rights.”

Mirziyoyev said the art status, with its profound philosophical underpinnings and unique artistic style, occupies a central place in the country’s spiritual life. Symbolizing our ancient history and cultural wealth, it epitomizes our national spirit and enduring values, resonating across generations.

“Moreover, Uzbekistan’s contribution to world culture through art forms, notably recognised on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, underscores its universal appeal and significance. This festival not only celebrates our past achievements but also sets a course for future endeavours in cultural preservation and international collaboration,” he stressed. He thanked all the participants for enriching the second Maqom International Art Forum, fostering a global dialogue on the transformative power of art.

Let us continue to nurture and promote the status art, ensuring it remains a vibrant force in our shared cultural tapestry,” he added.

The four-day Maqom International Art Forum, held under the auspices of UNESCO and ISESCO, was also addressed by Simona Mikulescu, President of the 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference; and Anar Karimov, Deputy Secretary General, ISESCO.

More than 400 participants from around 80 countries are participating in the four-day Maqom International Art Forum, which concluded today, Sunday, at the ‘Baghi Shamal’ complex in the city of Zaamin, a tourist destination in the Jezakh Governorate of Uzbekistan.

The event also featured a three-day conference participated in by experts, educationists and professionals from music sector. On the sidelines, a competition among the artists from 80 countries including traditional local instrument players, singers took part. In final competition, there were around 35 groups in final contest – won by Tajikistan, Iran and Azer teams.