Navoi readings in St. Petersburg after 80 years: the revival of a legend

Navoi readings in St. Petersburg after 80 years: the revival of a legend. 80 years ago, on this very day, readings dedicated to the 500th anniversary of the great poet and thinker Alisher Navoi were held in besieged Leningrad under bombardment. Commemorative events in honor of these memorable dates are held at this moment in St. Petersburg. 

This year, on the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the 580th anniversary of the great poet Alisher Navoi is widely celebrated in Uzbekistan. One of such events is the revival of the legendary Navoi readings. They are held jointly by the World Society for the Study, Preservation and Promotion of the Cultural Legacy of Uzbekistan, the State Hermitage and the Institute of Oriental Manuscripts of the Russian Academy of Sciences in St. Petersburg.

This sensational event both for Russia and Uzbekistan is held for the first time since the Great Patriotic War. It was then, on December 10, 1941, when Leningrad was already in the blockade ring, that the first Navoi Readings in Europe dedicated to the 500th anniversary of Alisher Navoi were held in the city at the cost of incredible efforts. Scientific meetings were held at the Hermitage and at the Institute of Oriental Studies.

Today this tradition has been revived. The Navoi readings began in St. Petersburg on the occasion of the 580th anniversary of Alisher Navoi and the 80th anniversary of the Navoi readings in besieged Leningrad. Events are held at the Institute of Oriental Manuscripts of the Russian Academy of Sciences and at the Hermitage Theatre.

Along with this, a series of events is planned. Among them are exhibitions of unique manuscripts of the works written by A. Navoi from the collection of the Institute of Oriental Manuscripts and the Russian National Library, an exhibition of book-albums of the series Cultural Legacy of Uzbekistan in the World Collections, round table with the participation of Navoi scholars of Russia and Uzbekistan dedicated to the great poet's legacy, readings of the works by Alisher Navoi, as well as a cultural program - a performance by Munojat Yulchieva, Hero of Uzbekistan, maqom performer, accompanied by an ensemble of musical instruments.

“President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has adopted a historic resolution on the celebration of the 580th anniversary of Alisher Navoi's birth. The revival of such a beautiful and uniting tradition as the Navoi Readings is the sign of support of the international scientific and cultural community for the initiative of the Head of our state. Navoi readings in besieged Leningrad are a symbol of deep commitment to the ideas of peace and humanism sung by the great poet. And today, in our difficult time, these important, fundamental truths for every person continue to live and unite peoples. On behalf of the World Society, I would like to thank the leadership and staff of the State Hermitage Museum and the Institute of Oriental Manuscripts of the Russian Academy of Sciences, as well as the Government of Uzbekistan and the Eriell Group and Enter Engineering for organizing this important historical event,” said Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Board Chairman of the World Society for the Study, Preservation and Promotion of the Cultural Legacy of Uzbekistan.