Assalamu alaykum, esteemed forum participants!
Dear guests!
Ladies and gentlemen!

 

First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of you for accepting our invitation and attending the 2nd Forum of Turkic World Culture and the international scientific-practical conference on the theme “The Art of Bakhshi in New Uzbekistan: Modern Research and Prospects.”

 

At today’s events, we are very pleased to have the participation of:

The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Adil Gabil oglu,

TURKSOY Secretary General, Sultanbay Akimovich,

President of the Foundation for Turkic Culture and Heritage, Aktoty Rakhmatullayevna,

President of the International Turkic Academy, Shahin Abdullah oglu,

Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States, Mehmet Sureyya Er,

Deputy Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic, Gulbara Kadirbekovna,
and other honorable guests.

 

Also noteworthy is the participation of not only prominent intellectuals of our country, but also rectors of higher educational institutions, as well as distinguished scholars and renowned experts in the fields of science, education, culture, art, and literature from more than 40 countries, including Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Mongolia, Jordan, India, the People’s Republic of China, the Russian Federation, and Germany, who are delivering their presentations.

 

Taking this opportunity, I would like to warmly welcome all our guests to the land of Uzbekistan — a cradle of world civilization, the homeland that raised great scholars such as al-Khwarizmi, al-Biruni, Mirzo Ulugbek, and Navoi — a land of peace, friendship, and enlightenment!

 

Dear friends!

It is no coincidence that we are holding the 4th International Bakhshi Art Festival and these prestigious international events within its framework in the ancient and unique city of Khiva.

This beautiful city, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, was recognized as the “Cultural Capital of the Turkic World” in 2020 and as the “Tourism Capital of the Islamic World” in 2024 — a recognition that speaks volumes.

Khiva is valuable not only for its unique historical monuments belonging to world heritage but also as one of our important centers that has long played a significant role in the development of science, culture, art, and literature.

It is worth noting that in recent years, major events organized in fraternal countries, along with the proposals and initiatives put forward at these gatherings, have contributed to strengthening our spiritual unity, preserving our shared values, and further reinforcing the bonds between our peoples.

 

In particular, the First Turkic World Culture Forum held in the gem of Azerbaijan — the city of Shusha, one of the cultural capitals of the Turkic world — was a major event that played an important role in deepening our friendly relations and elevating our cooperation to a new level.

Uzbekistan is actively participating in events and projects within the framework of Turkic nations. In our country, cultural and artistic days, youth and theater festivals, and creative forums are being held in a well-organized manner.

 

Our scholars and creatives are actively participating in international conferences dedicated to the development of Turkic languages and literature.

As a practical result of this cooperation, it is gratifying that a 100-volume book series titled “Masterpieces of Turkic Literature” has been published in the Uzbek language. This collection includes the works of over 450 classical and contemporary poets, writers, and thinkers from Uzbekistan, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Hungary.

 

The first five volumes, titled “Samples of Common Turkic Literature,” feature the works of great scholars who were the first to study the ancient Turkic language on a scientific basis, such as Mahmud al-Kashgari, Yusuf Khos Khajib, Ahmad Yugnaki, Ahmad Yassawi, Sulaymon Bakirgani, and Nasiruddin Rabghuzi.

 

Meanwhile, the volumes titled “Samples of Uzbek Literature” contain the finest works of Uzbek literary figures, starting from Alisher Navoi up to contemporary authors writing today.

 

Our respected President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed that this priceless spiritual treasure be published in the languages of all member and observer states of the Organization of Turkic States.

 

This is a very important initiative that will, in practice, create a solid foundation for bringing our fraternal peoples, especially the younger generations, closer together.

I believe that scholars and our respected translators will make their valuable contributions to realizing this goal.

Additionally, on the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, the establishment of the International Award named after the great poet and thinker Mir Alisher Navoi to recognize outstanding figures who have achieved great successes in the fields of politics, science, medicine, literature, and art in the Turkic world has been a significant event in our cultural life.

Last year, during his speech at the meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Turkic States Organization in Bishkek, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan proposed the publication of a multi-volume collection of Turkic peoples' folklore in the languages of the member countries, aimed at bringing our fraternal peoples even closer and educating our youth in the spirit of our ancestors.

 

In this regard, it was noted that creating fundamental research such as “History of the Turkic Peoples” together is an urgent task.
It was also emphasized that encouraging direct translation from Turkic languages, as well as establishing elective courses in our schools about the Turkic peoples, their history, ethnography, culture, and art, is necessary.

Another important aspect is that Uzbekistan will soon become a full member of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, and practical work in this area has already begun.

This undoubtedly opens new horizons for preserving, researching, and widely promoting our tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

Honorable participants of the forum,

In today’s era of globalization, there are increasing threats to human culture and spirituality, especially to the consciousness of youth. Unfortunately, in the current conditions, the place of true art is being overtaken by what is known as “mass culture,” or, if the term is allowed, “culture-less culture.” In this situation, preserving classical art and rare examples of folk creativity and passing them on to future generations in their purest form is an extremely important task.

 

In Uzbekistan, a number of measures are being taken to preserve, develop, and popularize Bakhshi art, which is a beautiful and unique example of folk oral creativity.

Currently, there are specialized schools for Bakhshi art in the cities of Termez and Nukus.
At the Yunus Rajabi Institute of Uzbek National Music Art, highly qualified personnel are being trained in this field.

To preserve the artistic traditions of Bakhshi art, a "Golden Fund" of 10 epics and songs performed by Bakhshis has been created.
It has become a tradition to hold the International Bakhshi Art Festival every two years.

 

Honorable participants of the event,

The agenda of today’s international forum and conference is extensive, and we expect interesting reports on Turkic world culture and the development of Bakhshi art in Uzbekistan to be presented during both the plenary and breakout sessions.
Additionally, masterclasses will also be held as part of the event.

 

Taking this opportunity, I declare the forum and the scientific-practical conference open!
I wish you all health, great achievements and success in your scientific and creative endeavors, and I wish success to the work of the forum and conference.

 

Thank you for your attention.