Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan

“II Forum of Turkic World Culture” and the International Scientific-Practical Conference on “The Art of Bakhshi in New Uzbekistan: Modern Research and Prospects”

PRESS RELEASE

City of Khiva                                                                                April 26–27, 2025

The in-depth study and reinforcement of the scientific-theoretical and practical foundations of the art of bakhshi, which embodies our people's national identity, ancient history and language, way of life, traditions and customs — and is recognized as an integral part of world culture — is of special importance. Promoting the art of bakhshi on national and international levels, preserving and studying the unique performance styles and traditions of creative schools formed in this field, and passing them on to the younger generation hold particular significance.

As emphasized in the Resolution No. PQ-4320 of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated May 14, 2019, “On Measures for the Further Development of the Art of Bakhshi,” specific steps are being taken in our country to preserve and develop this unique art form, created through the high artistic genius of our people. In this regard, it is worth noting the wide-scale celebration of the millennium of the epic Alpomish, the construction of memorial complexes in honor of this great literary monument in the city of Termez, and to the memory of prominent bakhshis in the city of Samarkand. Additionally, the honorary title of “People’s Bakhshi of the Republic of Uzbekistan” has been established by our government.

In accordance with the Resolution No. PQ-3990 of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated November 1, 2018, “On Holding the International Festival of Bakhshi Art”, the International Bakhshi Art Festival has been held every two years. Notably, the first International Bakhshi Festival was held in 2019 in the city of Termez, where more than 20 folklorists from various countries participated. The second festival took place in 2021 in the city of Nukus, showcasing the rich heritage of Karakalpak culture and the art of bakhshi. Representatives from over 30 countries participated in that festival.

The third International Bakhshi Festival was held in 2023 in the city of Gulistan, bringing together musicologists, folklorists, bakhshis, and performers from over 40 different countries. In order to implement the instruction No. 03-PA 1-2415/3 of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated February 19, 2025, and the Order No. 155 of the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated March 27, 2025, “On Preparing for and Successfully Holding the IV International Festival of Bakhshi Art”, the IV International Bakhshi Art Festival was organized in the city of Khiva on April 26–28, 2025. As part of the festival, the II Forum of Turkic World Culture and the International Scientific-Practical Conference on “The Art of Bakhshi in New Uzbekistan: Modern Research and Prospects” were held.

Renowned folklorists from prestigious academic institutions of countries such as Russia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan presented fascinating lectures on the history of bakhshi art and its role in the development of world culture. Notably, internationally recognized scholars such as Doctor of Philology and Professors Karl Reichel, Fikrat Turkman, Eunkyung Oh, Hikmat Guliyev, Oguz Mehmet Ocal, Ismet Chetin, Anarboy Buldiboy, Selami Fidakor, Metin Ekiji, Talantali Bakchiyev, Gulnor Husainova, and Aynur Ibrahimova delivered speeches on current issues in the field.

Also, at the conference, scholars specializing in folklore from various higher education institutions and scientific research institutes of our country, as well as researchers interested in the traditions of bakhshi (epic storytelling) and oral folk art, actively participated with their scientific-theoretical articles related to the field.

Within the framework of the international conference, participants also took part in a festive program dedicated to the opening ceremony of the 4th International Bakhshi Art Festival. The event featured master bakhshis from our country, foreign epic performers, and artists.

At the conclusion of the conference, an important resolution regarding the future development of the art of bakhshichilik (bakhshi performance) was adopted. The resolution emphasized the following:

Deep study of the scientific-theoretical and practical foundations of bakhshichilik art, which is regarded as a rare gem of folk creativity and a prime example of national and universal human values;

Broad research into epic works performed by bakhshis, taking into account their regional and local characteristics;

Creation of scientific works and monographs dedicated to the historical roots, stages of development, and artistic features of bakhshichilik art;

Promotion of bakhshichilik as a symbol of national and global values through international cooperation with foreign scholars;

Documentation and collection of the best examples of traditional dastans (epic poems) performed by bakhshis in live performance settings;

Reproduction of audio and video versions of bakhshichilik performances;

Creation of broad opportunities for young bakhshis studying rare art forms under the master-apprentice tradition to demonstrate their skills;

Wide promotion of bakhshichilik art both within the country and internationally;

Strengthening international cooperation in the field of bakhshichilik art and implementing projects dedicated to studying different versions and variations of folk samples;

Establishing exchanges of experience among folklore scholars, musicologists, and ethnomusicologists studying bakhshichilik;

Organizing international conferences and masterclasses with the participation of local and foreign folklore and music scholars;

Emphasizing the importance of teaching epic performance traditions to student bakhshis currently studying at the Uzbek National Institute of Music Art in accordance with modern requirements, to ensure their development into highly qualified specialists in the future.

Within the framework of the international scientific-practical conference, a total of … cooperation agreements were signed between leading specialists in the field and higher education institutions and international research centers from … countries. These international agreements aim primarily to strengthen ties between relevant institutions in the fields of culture and education, facilitate mutual exchange of experience, implement joint projects in music, national cultural heritage, and the arts, expand and further develop relations between the two organizations, promote cultural exchange by presenting samples of national musical art, and create mutual conditions for holding cultural events.

As part of the conference, the organizational committee also held a presentation of the “BAXSHI AYTIMLARI” collection. This presentation was regarded as the creative peak and scientific highlight of the international academic forum. A total of 100 copies of the Bakhshi Aytimlari collection were produced. Each copy included a “User Manual,” which provided information on when specific folk epics and terms are traditionally performed and their positive effects on human psychology. This manual was distributed among the participants of the conference.

The main scientific outcomes, conclusions, and selected best articles from the “II Forum of Turkic World Culture” and the international scientific-practical conference titled “Bakhshichilik Art in New Uzbekistan: Modern Research and Prospects” were published in a Proceedings of Articles collection, which was presented as a gift to all conference participants and honorary guests.

At the end of the conference, each participant was awarded an international certificate by the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, along with commemorative gifts from the conference organizing committee.