A solemn event dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the newspaper “Yerkin Qaraqalpaqstan” (Free Karakalpakstan) was held at the Karakalpak State Young Spectator Theater in Nukus.

The event participants laid flowers at the bust of the great Karakalpak writer Ajiniyaz Qosybay Uly.

At the event, the First Deputy Chairman of the Jokargy Kenes of the Republic of Karakalpakstan Rustam Saparboyev, the Director General of Uzbekistan National News Agency, Senator Abdusaid Kuchimov, the Editor-in-Chief of the newspapers “Yangi O’zbekiston” – “Pravda Vostoka” Salim Doniyorov, the Acting Chairman of the Union of Journalists of Uzbekistan Kholmurod Salimov and others spoke about the attention paid in the country to supporting the press and media, and the tasks of the sphere.

Today, the newspaper has come a century, the publication of which began in December 1924 in the city of Turtkul in Karakalpak Autonomous Region on the initiative of the elders of the people Qosim Avezov, Abiu Qudabayev and the Jadid enlightener Saifulgabit Majitov. Until 1930, the newspaper was published under “Yerkin Qoraqalpoq”. During the year – under the name “Mehnatkash Qoraqalpoq”, in 1931-1957 it was published as “Qizil Qoraqalpogiston”, in 1957-1992 – as “Sovet Qoraqalpogistoni”, after the country gained independence it was renamed “Yerkin Qaraqalpaqstan”.

The newspaper, considered the leading publication of Karakalpakstan, has become a kind of mirror of the Karakalpak people's life and a school for developing the Karakalpak language and the art of artistic words over the past time. 

At the event, a group of employees were awarded honorary titles and presented with badges and memorable gifts by the decision of the Presidium of the Jokargy Kenes of the Republic of Karakalpakstan.

The ceremonial event continued with a concert program of artists.

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Dovud Abibullayev, photos by Maqsad Khabibullayev, UzA