Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Yesterday, in celebration of the New Year, a festive event was held with the participation of Central Asian drummers.

A total of 250 drummers from Uzbekistan, the Republic of Karakalpakstan, and neighboring Tajikistan and Kazakhstan took part in the event.

At the beginning of the event, all the drummers gathered for the celebration and, in accordance with tradition, performed the piece "Tantana," created by the People's Artist of Uzbekistan, Hero of Labor Usta Olim Komilov.

Afterward, a group of artists who contributed to the development of drum art were awarded the "Cultural and Artistic Devotee" badge of honor by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The awards were presented by the Deputy Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan, Murodjon Majidov.

During the event, the Uzbekistan Drummers’ Public Association was recognized for its contribution to the development of drum art and for consistently supporting drummers in all aspects. The People’s Artist of Uzbekistan, People’s Artist of Uzbekistan, Karakalpakstan, Kyrgyzstan, People's Singer of Tajikistan, and Honored Artist of Turkmenistan Ozodbek Nazarbekov was awarded the honorary medal and certificate of appreciation from the Uzbekistan Drummers’ Public Association.

The award was presented by the chairperson of the Uzbekistan Drummers’ Public Association, Honored Artist of Uzbekistan, recipient of the "Labor Glory" Order, and professor Dilmurod Islomov.

It is worth noting that the traditions of Uzbek drumming and the master-disciple relationship have been preserved with great value over many years. This has been recognized at the state level as well.

Specifically, according to Appendix 3 of the Presidential Decree PQ-405 dated December 25, 2023, on "Additional Measures to Protect, Study, and Promote Intangible Cultural Heritage," it is planned to include the experience of preserving the master-disciple traditions in Uzbek drumming in UNESCO’s "Best Practices in Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection" registry. Documents related to this decree are currently being prepared, which is truly good news for all drummers.

During the event, commemorative awards were presented to Tajik master musician Sattor Fozilov, Honored Artist of Uzbekistan and holder of the "Friendship" Order Elmurod Islomov, and Saidakmalxoja Tursunxojayev by the Vice President of the Academy of Sciences of Turon.

Following the awards ceremony, the event continued with a performance segment. Well-loved artists shared their festive spirit through their songs.