TURKPA attended the XIII International Music Festival "Sharq Taronalari"

On 26-27 August 2024, Secretary General Mehmet Süreyya Er attended the XIII International Music Festival “Sharq Taronalari” (Oriental Melodies) organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan with the support of the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan under the auspices of UNESCO. One of the largest festivals in Central Asia - the International Music Festival “Sharq Taronalari”, launched in 1997, welcomed over 400 representatives from more than 80 countries. The event was attended by distinguished guests representing a variety of organizations, including United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Heads of the Ministries of Culture of the CIS countries, representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Tashkent and others. The solemn opening ceremony, held on August 26, in the historic Registan Square of Samarkand, justly considered the “Pearl of Central Asia”, was honored by the presence of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. In his opening speech, the President of Uzbekistan highlighted the importance of fostering peaceful, friendly, and mutually beneficial relations with other nations as a superior principle of New Uzbekistan's foreign policy. He stated that holding international festivals of maqom art, bakhshi, handicrafts, folklore and dance festivals “Buyuk ipak yuli” and “Lyazgi”, Tashkent International Film Festival and many others have become a kind of noble appeal to humanity from Uzbekistan for peace and harmony, friendship and unity. One of the largest festivals in Central Asia, held every two years, was first organized in 1997. The festival aims to share the achievements in national music with the general public, preserve and develop the culture and traditions of nations, support talented young people in music and singing, and promote international creative relations, peace, friendship, and mutual tolerance.