A Week of Cultural Heritage has opened in Uzbekistan

From July 3 to 7, 2023, the Week of Cultural Heritage, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Uzbekistan in collaboration with the World Society for the Study, Preservation, and Popularization of Cultural Legacy of Uzbekistan (WOSCU), will take place. The event features the Week of International Partnership Initiatives titled “New Uzbekistan: Development, Innovation, and Enlightenment.”

More than a thousand participants and guests from about 60 countries are expected to attend.

Throughout the week, exhibitions of Timurid-era cultural heritage, folk applied art masterpieces, and avant-garde paintings will be held in Tashkent's museums. Numerous conferences, round tables, meetings, and presentations will be conducted on topics such as sustainable development, business environment, healthy and educated society, quality education and innovation, regional connectivity, and human dignity.

The opening ceremony took place at the new Event Hall in the capital. Attendees included officials from relevant ministries and departments, representatives from international and foreign organizations, cultural and art figures, journalists, and bloggers.

The opening ceremony featured a video about the cultural and educational renewal processes in Uzbekistan. Speakers highlighted the country's focus on creativity, culture, and arts development in recent years.

"Today, countries compete not by economic capabilities but by their values and culture," said Sodiq Safoyev, First Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan. "Uzbekistan relies on its cultural potential in its foreign policy, thereby shaping its international image."

Akmal Saidov, First Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, emphasized the importance of dialogue for humanity and praised the efforts of state and non-state organizations in ensuring international dialogue, particularly the significant work of WOSCU.

Minister of Culture and Tourism Ozodbek Nazarbekov remarked on the development of cooperation and international relations, underscoring the role of cultural representatives in this process. He expressed hope that the week's events would further strengthen this cooperation and spread the fame of Uzbek culture and arts.

"We are grateful for the attention given to the development of national cinema in New Uzbekistan," said Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Cinematography Agency. He noted that the construction and commissioning of the new Event Hall, designed to international standards for presenting new creative projects, is a testament to this high level of attention.

"They say time decides everything," said People's Artist of Uzbekistan Khayrulla Sa’diev. "Once, we could only dream of such grand palaces of arts. Today, these dreams are coming true. Our country is undergoing vast changes, including in cultural and educational spheres. In recent years, Uzbekistan has hosted various international cultural events such as the International Makom Art and Bakhshi Art forums and the Tashkent International Film Festival."

"Three years ago, at a prestigious meeting held here at 'Uzbekfilm,' the revival of Uzbek cinema was discussed," said Matekub Matchanov, Honored Artist of Uzbekistan and Chairman of the Association of Cinematographers of Uzbekistan. "In a short time, Uzbek cinema has been revived, with dozens of new films released. Many of these films have gained international recognition at prestigious film conferences and festivals, highlighting the significant attention given to Uzbek cinema. We aim to regain the trust of our people with our new films and international achievements."

The opening ceremony featured a festive procession, performances, musical numbers, and entertainment shows.