An exhibition dedicated to the 34th anniversary of the establishment of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Day of Defenders of the Motherland, as well as a spiritual and educational event, was opened at the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan.

To ensure implementation of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan’s directive of December 1, 2025, the event was dedicated to the memory of servicemen who demonstrated selflessness and courage in defending their native country and who died in the line of duty. It was held under the slogan “The National Army is the Shield of the Motherland, the Guardian of Our Peace!” The organizers were the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan, jointly with the State Security Service of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Tashkent House of Photography.

During the first part of the event, attended by public figures, members of the creative intelligentsia, and close relatives of the servicemen, a video film in memory of the defenders of the Motherland was screened. It made a profound impression on the audience, prompting a deeper understanding of the value of a peaceful, tranquil life.

Chairman of the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan, People’s Artist of Uzbekistan Akmal Nur, Chairman of the Writers’ Union of Uzbekistan, People’s Poet of Uzbekistan Sirojiddin Sayyid, Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan Murodjon Majidov, Director of the State Museum of Memory of the Victims of Repression under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Khasanov, and others emphasized that as a result of large-scale reforms carried out in recent years, the potential of the national army has increased, and it has become a powerful, mobile, and well-equipped force capable of ensuring the country’s security and stability, as well as the inviolability of its borders.

It was noted that the sacred duty of the current and future generations is to honor the names of servicemen who died in the line of duty and to cherish their memory.

An art exhibition titled “The names of the brave sons of the motherland will never die” was opened at the gallery of the Academy of Arts.

The exhibition featured portraits of 25 servicemen who died in the line of duty, created by professors and instructors of educational institutions of the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan. Each work is an artistic embodiment of the fallen heroes’ resilience and their devotion to the Motherland. Viewing them, visitors were inspired by a sense of patriotism, deep respect, and reverence for the country’s defenders.

Within the framework of the exhibition, the Writers’ Union of Uzbekistan presented patriotic literature. These books were included in the display as spiritual resources to highlight themes of defending the Motherland, courage, and remembrance, thereby enriching the event’s overall ideological content. The publications were distributed to guests as a sign of remembrance and respect.

In addition, a photo exhibition titled “The Army of Uzbekistan: Yesterday and Today” is being held at the Tashkent House of Photography, dedicated to the 34th anniversary of the establishment of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Day of Defenders of the Motherland. It includes works by the winners of a photo contest, which attracted around 30 participants, both professionals and amateurs.

The jury, composed of qualified specialists in the field, selected the best works from 500 photographs submitted to the competition, reflecting the reforms carried out in the country’s Armed Forces, the valiant and responsible service of the defenders of the Motherland, and moments capturing them with their families. Winners of first, second, and third places, as well as recipients of incentive nominations, were determined.

The event was organized by the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Uzbekistan in cooperation with the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan, the Youth Affairs Agency of Uzbekistan, the Union of Journalists of Uzbekistan, and the Tashkent House of Photography.

The main goal is to strengthen among the younger generation a sense of pride, trust, and respect for the army, and to spark interest in the military profession.

The photographs in the exhibition have not only documentary value, but also serve as a unique artistic source that combines collective memory, historical continuity, and the modern image of the national army.

Nazokat Usmanova, UzA