Uzbek national maqom art is a unique cultural heritage that embodies the centuries-old artistic thinking, historical memory, performance schools, master-apprentice (ustoz-shogird) traditions, and high spiritual values of our people. The art of maqom reflects the aesthetic views, traditions, and values of the nation, the characteristics of melodies and usuls (rhythmic structures), the harmony of poetic text and melody, as well as complex creative processes associated with the mastery of singers and instrumentalists.

To ensure the implementation of the tasks set forth in Resolution No. PP-3391 of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated November 17, 2017, “On measures for further development of Uzbek National Maqom Art” and the”'Program of measures for further development of Uzbek National Maqom Art” approved thereof, the III International Maqom Art Forum will be held from June 23 to 26, 2026, in the city of Namangan, Namangan Region, under the auspices of UNESCO and ICESCO. Within the framework of the forum, the International Scientific and Practical Conference on “New Trends in Oriental Maqomat: Harmony of Tradition and Innovation” will take place on June 24–25.

Objectives of the Conference

The conference aims to study the traditions of Oriental maqomat based on modern scientific approaches, analyze the historical, theoretical, and performance relationships between related professional music systems—such as maqom, mugham, makam, dastgoh, and muqom—and scientifically and practically highlight the harmony of tradition and innovation in maqom art.

Participants

Approximately 100 prominent art historians, musicologists, and literary scholars from prestigious organizations and academic institutions representing nearly 50 countries will participate with their presentations at this International Scientific and Practical Conference.

Among the internationally renowned musicologists and officials presenting on the urgent problems of the field are:

• Kubanychbek Omuraliev – Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States;
• Sultan Raev – Secretary General of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY);
• Tan Sooi Beng – President of the International Council for Traditions of Music and Dance (ICTMD, Malaysia);
• Margaret Dechenaux – Founder and Director of the International Institute of World Music (IIWM, France);
• Lee Soon-Kyung – CEO of GIO Entertainment, expert in global festivals, stage performance planning, and media art content (Korea);
• Prof. Choi Sang Wha – Founder of the Korea Music Therapy Association (Korea);
• Pawan Kapoor – Chairman of the Asian-Pacific Sector of the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts (CIOFF® International, India);
• Khalmurat Rashidov – Deputy Head of Department of the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth of Independent States;
• Aida Balaeva – Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan – Minister of Culture and Information;
• Adil Kerimli – Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan;
• Serdar Cham – Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye;
• Faridun Bobozoda – Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Tajikistan;
• Sahib Pashazade – Director of the International Mugham Center (Azerbaijan).

Key Events and Initiatives

Signing of Memorandums: The signing of memorandums is envisaged with the participation of around 10 rectors of foreign higher education institutions, rectors of domestic higher education institutions specializing in culture and arts education, as well as heads of specialized secondary education organizations.

Special Film Project: Within the framework of the conference, a special short film titled "The Rajabiy Code: Digital Memory of Maqom" is being prepared in cooperation with the Uzbek National Institute of Maqom Art and the Tashkent branch of the S.A. Gerasimov All-Russian State University of Cinematography (VGIK). The film plans to cover the historical roots of maqom art, its current development processes, scientific and cultural events within the international forum, and efforts to engage the younger generation in the national musical heritage.

Music Therapy Development: As another important direction of international scientific and practical cooperation, prospects for the development of maqom therapy will be considered in collaboration with the Korea Music Therapy Association. This initiative is significant as it serves to scientifically study not only the artistic and aesthetic values of maqom art but also its potential in psychological impact, spiritual education, and cultural therapy processes.

Scientific Debates: Art and maqom scholars, performers, educators, young researchers, and cultural figures will engage in scientific discussions, exchange ideas, and develop concrete proposals regarding the current state and prospects of maqom art.

Conference Sections and Panels

1. Prospects of Modern Education and Cultural Integration of Oriental Maqomat.
2. Historical Development of Maqom Art and Problems of Source Studies.
3. Scientific-Theoretical, Terminological, and Practical Issues of the Maqomat System.

Renowned musicologists from Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan will moderate the sectional meetings of the conference.

At the conclusion of the forum, an important resolution concerning the future of maqom art will be adopted.

Reference and Historical Context

This prestigious cultural event has been organized once every two years since 2018:

I Forum (2018): Held in the city of Shahrisabz, Qashqadaryo Region, featuring nearly 500 foreign and local artists, scholars, and musicologists from around 70 countries.

II Forum (2024): Held in the Zaamin District of Jizzakh Region, gathering more than 400 participants from nearly 80 states. Over 70 scholars from more than 30 countries participated in the scientific-practical conference, and 95 maqom performers from 16 countries took part in the international competition.