Tashkent hosted a solemn presentation of the historical novel “Silk Empires” and the new 29th issue of Visit Uzbekistan magazine.

The event was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps, ministries and agencies of Uzbekistan, business and scientific circles, creative personalities.

The historical drama “Silk Empire”, full of action-packed events, involves the sovereigns and emperors of China, Sogd, Byzantium, the Hephthalite Empire and the Turkic Khaganate. Almost all names and events have a real basis, although, being subordinated to literary narration, they cannot serve as a documentary basis for studying the realities of the past.

The novel is the fruit of the author’s, artistic interpretation, but it is as close as possible to the events of that amazing and bright era of the 6th century BC.

“Since ancient times, Uzbekistan has been the heart of the Great Silk Road and played an important role in the process of interaction between the cultures of the West and the East. However, our land was a retransmitter of silk products, and created true masterpieces itself – the leading center of local silk fabrics was the village of Zandana near Bukhara. This is a historical fact that served as the impetus for the idea of ​​the novel. Various scenes from the past are closely intertwined in the book – military battles, political conspiracies, lyrical plots filled with feelings and expressions of the main characters.

I hope my first novel will inspire readers and allow them to re-discover our great heritage. I express my deep gratitude to all the people involved in its publication, among whom I would like to highlight the main figure – the publisher, the tireless and talented Dinara Dultayeva. The stunning drawings by Sanjar Jabbarov make the book especially attractive, thanks to which the book acquired the quality of a work of art”, the author of the novel Akbar Khakimov noted.

“Silk Empires” is the first book by Akbar Khakimov, one of the leading art scholars of Uzbekistan, in the genre of historical prose.

Akbar Abdullayevich Khakimov – Head of the Department of Fine and Applied Arts of the Institute of Art Studies of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Academician of the Academy of Sciences and Academician of the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan, Professor, Doctor of Arts, Honorary Doctor of Soka University in Tokyo. His deep knowledge of the history and cultural heritage of Central Asia allowed him to create a convincing and impressive picture of the lives of people, closely related to the fate of the Great Silk Road.

The partner of the event, the Begim brand, presented a collection of fragrances called Silk Road Treasures, dedicated to the history and culture of the Great Silk Road. The presentation was accompanied by national music from the Sato group led by the master of the tanbur Toir Askar.

The edition of the book was printed in Istanbul (Turkey) by Mega Basim Printing House using the latest technologies, modern printing materials, Japanese chunky paper and hand binding. The limited edition cases were also handcrafted in an Istanbul printing house.

The event was continued by the presentation of the new issue of the Visit Uzbekistan magazine, dedicated to Karakalpakstan. It presents the traditions, culture and customs of the Karakalpak people. The bright cover was prepared in collaboration with the Uzbek designer Azucar Moreno. The colorful pages tell amazing and mysterious stories about distant corners of Uzbekistan and fascinating stories from people’s lives.

Nasiba Ziyodullayeva, UzA