TURKPA attended the Second International Forum of Maqom Art

On 27-30 June 2024, Secretary General Mehmet Süreyya Er attended the Second International Forum of Maqom Art held under the auspices of UNESCO and ICESCO in Zaamin district of Jizzakh region of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The traditional international Forum of Maqom Art initiated by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev brought together over 400 representatives from nearly 80 countries. The solemn opening ceremony held on June 27 was graced by the presence of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Chairperson of the General Conference of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Simona-Mirela Miculescu, Director General of Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Secretary General of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) Sultan Raev, President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation Aktoty Raimkulova, Deputy Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Nurlan Seytimov, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan Adil Karimli, Minister of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic Altynbek Maksutov, Advisor to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Malik Otarbayev, Chief Advisor to the President of the Republic of Türkiye (formerly Minister of Culture and Tourism) Yalçın Topçu, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Tajikistan on Social Development, Culture and Public Relations Abdullo Rahmonzoda, representatives of diplomatic corps and other guests took part at the event. In his welcoming address, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev extended warm welcome to the guests and expressed gratitude for the participation in this significant event. Head of State emphasized the importance and particular place of maqom art, which is profound spiritual treasure of Uzbekistan and the world cultural heritage. He noted the measures on promotion of Maqom art in Uzbekistan, including providing comprehensive support for talented youth and strengthening international cooperation in relevant field. Secretary General of TURKPA Mehmet Süreyya Er also delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of the Forum. Furthermore, an International Scientific and Practical Conference on “Theoretical and Practical Foundations of the Maqom Art: Problems and Solutions” was held within the scope of Maqom Art Forum, which was attended by scientists and researchers from various countries. The event also included a concert program with the participation of famous artists and an international competition, with 95 maqom performers from 16 countries representing Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, China, Morocco, Jordan, Japan, Tajikistan, Iran, Tunisia, India, Egypt, Indonesia and Qatar. The International Forum of Maqom Art was established in accordance with the Resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On measures of further developing the Uzbek national art of maqom” of 17 November 2017. The First International Forum of Maqom Art took place in Shahrisabz, Uzbekistan on 6-10 September 2018. Later, due to the pandemic, the forum was postponed.