As a part of his working visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan, Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan Ozodbek Nazarbekov, together with Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan Adil Karimli, held a solemn ceremony to award the honorary title to Director of the Azerbaijan International Mugham Center, Honored Artist of Azerbaijan, Sahib Pashazade. He was awarded a medal and a special certificate confirming his status as a Cultural Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Sahib Pashazade is one of the leading masters of traditional Azerbaijani music. In 2017, he won the Grand Prix at the 11th Sharq Taronalari International Music Festival (Oriental Melodies), held in Samarkand. From 2017 to 2024, the musician actively collaborated with the leading creative educational institutions in Uzbekistan, including the State Conservatory, the State Institute of Arts and Culture, and the Uzbek National Institute of Musical Art named after Yunus Rajabi. During this time, he conducted numerous master classes and educational programs, preparing a whole galaxy of young performers.

The Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan Ozodbek Nazarbekov noted Sahib Pashazade’s significant contribution to strengthening cultural ties and popularizing Uzbek national art abroad. He stressed that awarding the honorary title will become a symbol of cultural partnership and friendship between the two fraternal peoples.

Aziza Alimova, UzA