Doha, 07 July 2024 (QT)

By Ashraf Siddiqui

Azizjon Zokirov, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs at the Institute of Uzbek National Musical Art at the Uzbekistan Ministry of Culture, has expressed keenness of the institute to embark on exchange programme with Qatari and other regional institutions to build and promote each other’s Maqom art and culture.

Talking exclusively to Editor.www.asiantelegraphqatar.com on the sidelines of Second Maqom International Arts Forum, Zokirov, who is also the director of the Conference of Second Maqom International Arts Forum, said that with the opening of embassies of both countries and air link between Tashkent and Doha, it will be convenient to establish strong Maqom cultural bilateral relations between rich Arab Maqom and Uzbek Maqom.

Artists in 35 groups from around 80 countries, including Qatar, participated along with their traditional instruments in Second Maqom International Art Forum competition. Fifteen teams in different categories qualified for the final competition held in Zaamin town of Uzbekistan’s Jizzakh region recently.

Zokirov said the grand display presented at the opening ceremony showcased the real culture and heritage of his country and the region, including the quality of literature, culture, life style, and a variety of colourful dresses. A wide range of around 20 various performances were presented by the Uzbekistan artistes, including Uzbek’s Minister of Culture Nazarbekov Ozodbek, who sang two pop songs on the occasion. Among them, five ghazals of poetry, considered great treasure of legendary poet and statesman Alisher Navai (1441-1501 AD) were presented in a unique traditional style by the artistes.

Zokirov added that under the directions and personal interest of Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the glorious history of Uzbekistan is being revived. He pointed out that the president, in one of his addresses, stressed that the “greatest wealth is intelligence and knowledge, the greatest inheritance is good upbringing, and the greatest poverty is ignorance”.

He pointed out that the successful hosting of second Conference under Maqom International Arts Forum showcased steps being taken to preserve the regional music and melody. He said the outcome from the conference being participated in by a large number of experts, educationists and researchers from various regions to prevent regional musical heritage and it’s melody from outer challenges and to promote further will be considered and implemented.

There were no western electronic instruments used during the musical competition, all the teams from 80 countries used their traditional musical instruments.

Qatari artistes who participated in the Maqom International Art Forum included Yassin Al Ayari (flute); Fathi (Qanun); Osama Al-Khuzaie (Oud); Ahmed Barakat (Violin); Nasser Al Amiri (Percussion instrument) and Salem Al Noubi (Percussion instrumental). Along with them were Khaled Hassan Al-Salem, director of Music Affairs Center at the Ministry of Culture of Qatar, and Abdullah Nasser Al Sayegh, coordinator.