I follow the reforms in New Uzbekistan through the media and social networks. I have visited your country many times, and I can say that Uzbekistan has embarked on a new development path. It is essential that the goal of the work being carried out is to strengthen human dignity and ensure human interests.

We can talk a lot about the country’s achievements in economics, politics, education, and science. In recent years, progress has been noticeable in all areas, including culture and art. For example, the legal framework of the sphere has been radically updated. Several laws, decrees, resolutions of the President, and government regulatory and legal documents have been adopted. As a result, people’s attitudes towards culture have changed, and its development has been directed in a new direction.

We, the Turkic peoples, have a common history. Our ancestors’ priceless cultural heritage has served our moral and spiritual growth for centuries. It is gratifying that our structure cooperates with Uzbekistan in preserving, promoting, and communicating this enormous and valuable wealth to future generations.

The work carried out in the country on the initiative and under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to preserve and popularize the best examples of Uzbek art and culture can serve as an example for many countries worldwide.

Holding the Maqom Art International Forum, the Lazgi International Dance Festival, and festivals of other types of art is of great importance in preserving and promoting the heritage of ancestors.

In your country, national schools for the restoration of cultural heritage sites and republican competitions in various types of national art have been revived. International music and folklore festivals, Baysun Spring, The Great Silk Road, and Melodies of Nurata, are held. The organized competitions help to identify new talents.

The publication of the 100-volume “Pearls of Turkic Literature” further unites our people, who have common goals and aspirations.

The inclusion of ancient and unique examples of Uzbek art – Khorezm Lazgi and Bakhshi Art – in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO is worthy of attention, because today it is more important than ever to protect intercultural dialogue and cultural identity from the negative impact of globalization.

I am sure the cultural forums in Uzbekistan aim to solve this task.

Aktoty RAIMKULOVA,

President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation.

UzA