The 4th International Bakhshi Art Festival, held in Khiva, Khorezm region, from April 26 to 28 this year, brought together 200 storytellers from more than 40 countries.

At the opening ceremony, the greeting message from the Head of state, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, was read by Presidential Advisor Odil Abdurakhmanov.

The first day concluded with a concert program featuring performances by masters of the arts, Bakhshis, Akyns, and Jirovs.

The 2nd Turkic World Culture Forum and the international scientific and practical conference “Art of Bakhshi in New Uzbekistan: Contemporary Research and Prospects” were also held as part of the festival.

Following the conference, an important resolution concerning the development of Bakhshi art was adopted.

A jury of representatives from Uzbekistan, Hungary, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Kuwait, and Mongolia evaluated the festival performances.

Cash prizes were awarded to the winners: the Grand Prix recipient received $7,000, while the first, second, and third place winners in each category (Dastan performance and instrumental performance) received $5,000, $3,500, and $2,500, respectively.

Third place was awarded to Ikhagvasuren Lkhamragcha (Mongolia), Aksinya Stepanova (Russia), and Ziyodillo Akhmedov (Uzbekistan).

Second place was awarded to Usmonjon Abdullayev (Uzbekistan) and Kunsulu Turikpen (Kazakhstan).

First place was awarded to Muyassar Jumatova (Uzbekistan) and the National Bakhshi Group of Turkmenistan.

Participants were also recognized in other categories.

The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ozodbek Nazarbekov, the Hokim of Khorezm Region, Jurabek Rakhimov, and other officials presented the awards.

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Ahmadjon Shokirov, UzA