Minister of Culture: Partnership between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan based on common Turkic roots

Interview with the Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan Ozodbek Nazarbekov.

- Currently, active dialogue is being conducted between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Azerbaijan in the fields of politics, economy, and humanitarian issues, based on mutual respect and equality. To what extent and on what basis are relations in the fields of culture and art being carried out between the two countries?

- The relations in the field of culture and art between the two countries are based on the Agreement on Humanitarian Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The cultural and humanitarian ties between our countries are also rapidly developing. During a meeting in Tashkent, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev that 'the fundamental value uniting the peoples of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan is culture.' Indeed, the cultural and spiritual ties between the two countries have deep historical roots. Over the centuries, mutual relations have developed harmoniously in terms of both ideas and essence, achieving unity in form and content. Prominent representatives of the Uzbek and Azerbaijani peoples have made invaluable contributions to world culture, science, and literature. The great representatives of the literature of both nations—Alisher Navoi, Nizami Ganjavi, and Muhammad Fuzuli—are highly revered, carefully preserved, and deeply studied in Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. Statues of Alisher Navoi (in Baku) and Nizami Ganjavi (in Tashkent) have been erected in the capitals of both states.

In general, regular exchanges of high-level delegations participating in various cultural and other events in both countries have become a tradition. These include music festivals, scientific conferences dedicated to the works and heritage of the great ancestors of the Uzbek and Azerbaijani peoples, film and cultural days, exhibitions, and more.

Additionally, during the visit of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to Uzbekistan on August 22-23, 2024, a 'Roadmap for Cultural and Humanitarian Cooperation for 2024-2026' was signed between the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, laying the foundation for future promising plans.

- How do you assess the current state of cultural cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan?

- The fraternal ties between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are strengthening day by day. The upcoming high-level meetings will serve as an important stage in reinforcing the cooperation between the two countries for the well-being of our peoples.

The opportunities for cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are extremely broad, and at this current stage, active dialogue is being conducted between our countries in the fields of politics, economy, and humanitarian issues, based on mutual respect and equality.

- At present, how is the cooperation within international organizations, particularly TURKSOY and ICESCO, being conducted within the framework of collaboration between the two countries?

- The role of international organizations is crucial in further strengthening the cooperation between the two countries.

For instance, the Azerbaijani Minister of Culture participated in the international cultural forum titled 'Central Asia at the Crossroads of World Civilizations,' held in Khiva from September 14-16, 2021, and in the subsequent meeting of the Ministers of Culture of TURKSOY member states;

Azerbaijani representatives participated in the next forum of scientists and creative intellectuals of the Commonwealth of Independent States, held in Tashkent from December 11-14, 2022;

A delegation led by Azerbaijani Minister of Culture Anar Karimov participated in the cultural events marking the 30th anniversary of the TURKSOY organization, celebrated in Uzbekistan from June 14-22, 2023;

The third 'Korkut Ata' film festival of the Turkic World was held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from October 11-13, 2023;

Uzbek directors Muzaffarkhon Erkinov won the 'Best Screenplay' award for the feature film Abdulla Oripov, and Shukhrat Mahmudov won the 'Best Documentary Film' award for My Circle at the film festival;

A delegation from the Ministry of Culture, led by First Deputy Minister of Culture Bahodir Akhmedov, participated in the 40th session of the Permanent Council of TURKSOY and the Turkic World Culture Forum, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from October 11-13, 2023;

Uzbek representatives took part in the ninth congress of directors of Turkic State theaters, held in Shusha, Azerbaijan, from November 8-10, 2023;

A creative group from the Ministry of Culture participated in the closing ceremony of 'Shusha – Cultural Capital of the Turkic World 2023,' held in Shusha, Azerbaijan, from December 9-11, 2023;

Azerbaijani representatives participated in the opening ceremony of the 'Cultural Capital of the Commonwealth' events from April 2-5, 2024;

Azerbaijani representatives participated in the conference of young creators from Turkic-speaking countries, organized in Bukhara by the Ministry of Culture and the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) from April 17-20, 2024;

A delegation led by Minister of Culture Ozodbek Nazarbekov participated in the World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue titled 'Dialogue for Peace and Global Security: Cooperation and Interaction,' held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from May 1-3, 2024;

A delegation led by Minister of Culture Ozodbek Nazarbekov participated in the official opening ceremony of 'Shusha – Cultural Capital of the Islamic World 2024,' held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from May 9-11, 2024.

These events demonstrate that the international cultural relations between the two countries have developed and strengthened over the years.

- What about the mutual participation in festivals and events held between the Republics of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan?

- Similarities between the two brotherly peoples can also be seen in the fields of culture and art. Both countries actively participate in events held between them.
In particular:
• At the 11th 'Sharq Taronalari' International Music Festival held in Samarkand from August 25-30, 2017, Azerbaijani honored artist Sahib Pashazade won the Grand Prix of the festival;
• At the 5th 'Mugham World' International Mugham Festival, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from March 7-14, 2018, Uzbek honored artist Ilyas Arabov took first place;
• Azerbaijan's 'Hayraty' musical group participated in the International Maqom Art Forum in Shakhrisabz from September 5-10, 2018, and won first place;
• Azerbaijan's 'Ashiqlar' duo participated in the 1st International Bakhshi Art Festival held in Termez from April 5-10, 2019, and took second place;
• Azerbaijani participants took part in the International Festival of Handicrafts and Folk Applied Arts, held in Kokand from September 10-15, 2019, and September 21-23, 2023, with the 2019 Azerbaijani representative receiving an award for being the most active artisan;
• Azerbaijani representatives participated in the 2nd International Bakhshi Art Festival, held in Nukus in September 2021, as well as in the 1st 'Pearl of the Silk Road' International Film Festival, held in Tashkent;
• Azerbaijani representatives participated in the 'Lazgi' International Dance Festival held in Khiva in April 2022 and 2024;
• 'Days of Azerbaijani Culture and Literature' were held in Termez, Surkhandarya Region, from April 10-15, 2022;
• A tour of the Uzbek State Symphony Orchestra to Azerbaijan was organized from September 22-26, 2022;
• As part of the Uzbekistan Culture Days in Baku, held from November 14-18, 2022, the creative group of the Uzbek State Academic Grand Theatre named after Alisher Navoi went on a tour, with a delegation led by the First Deputy Minister of Culture Bahodir Akhmedov visiting Baku;
• Azerbaijani representatives participated in the next forum of scientists and creative intellectuals of the Commonwealth of Independent States, held in Tashkent from December 11-14, 2022;
• Azerbaijani representatives took part in the International Bakhshi Art Festival held in Gulistan from May 6-8, 2023;
• The 100th anniversary of the birth of Azerbaijan’s first president Heydar Aliyev was widely celebrated in Tashkent on May 10, 2023, with a joint concert program organized as part of the event;
• On March 17, 2024, a concert of the Yunus Rajabi Maqom Ensemble of the Uzbek National Maqom Art Center was held at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azerbaijan;
• From June 27-30, 2024, a delegation led by Azerbaijani Minister of Culture Adil Karimli, along with the 'Vatan' group and musicologists, participated in the Maqom Art Festival organized in the Zomin district;
• A delegation led by Azerbaijani Deputy Minister of Culture M. Guseynov participated in the 'Sharq Taronalari' International Music Festival, held in Samarkand from August 26-30, 2024, where Azerbaijan's 'Simurgh' ensemble won the festival's Grand Prix award.

- What are the prospective plans and achievements to date regarding cooperation in the fields of theater and cinema between the two countries?

- Around the world, every nation, people, and state promote its culture, traditions, cultural heritage, age-old customs, national heroes, and people's experiences through theater and cinema, and these mediums are used to pass these values on to future generations. Therefore, this form of art plays a significant role in international cooperation as well. Especially in relations with Azerbaijan, cooperation in this area is being carried out at an excellent level.

Examples of this include:

• Participation of Azerbaijani representatives in the first 'Pearl of the Silk Road' International Film Festival held in Tashkent in September 2021;
• As part of the Uzbekistan Culture Days held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 14-18, 2022, a tour of the creative group from the Uzbek State Academic Grand Theatre named after Alisher Navoi was organized;
• From September 25 to October 2, 2023, the creative team of the State Puppet Theatre of Salyan, Azerbaijan, went on a tour in the Surkhandarya region;
• From October 1-5, 2023, the Namangan Musical Drama Theatre troupe toured in Azerbaijan, including performances on October 2-3 at the Azerbaijan State Academic Musical Theatre in Baku, where they staged the play 'These Old Men – Amazing Old Men' directed by Ma'rufjon Niyozov, based on the work of Uzbek poet Ohunjon Hakim;
• From October 11-13, 2023, the 3rd 'Korkut Ata' Turkic World Film Festival was held in Baku, Azerbaijan, where Uzbek directors Muzaffarkhon Erkinov won the award for 'Best Screenplay' for his film 'Abdulla Oripov,' and Shuhrat Mahmudov won the award for 'Best Documentary' for his film 'My Circle';
• Uzbek representatives participated in the 9th Congress of Directors of Theaters of Turkic States, held in Shusha, Azerbaijan, from November 8-10, 2023;
• From July 20-23, 2024, 'Uzbekistan Film Days' were organized in Baku, during which a meeting was held between First Deputy Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan, Avazkhon Tajikhanov, and Azerbaijani Minister of Culture, Adil Karimli.

- What events and forums are planned to strengthen cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan?

- In 2025-2026, mutual cultural days will be organized in both Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.
It is worth noting that from January 23-26, “Uzbekistan Science and Culture Days” were held in Baku, Azerbaijan, and from June 10-14, Azerbaijan Culture Days were organized in Tashkent.

- What joint efforts have been undertaken to preserve and pass down the intangible cultural heritage of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, specifically the arts of "Maqom" and "Mugham," to future generations?

- According to ancient manuscripts, the art of Maqom, which holds a significant place in our musical culture, has deep historical roots. Before the 13th century, the number of maqoms was not clearly defined, but later, a system of twelve maqoms was developed. Based on this, various national and regional forms of maqom emerged. While Uzbek and Tajik cultures refer to it as Maqom, in Turkmen and Uyghur cultures it is called Muqam, and in Iranian, Azerbaijani, it is known as Mugham or Dastgah. Among the Turks, it is called Makam, and in Arabic cultures, it is pronounced Maqam.

Today, maqoms, with their weight and meaning, form an integral part of the musical heritage of Eastern peoples.

In this context, during the "World of Mugham" 5th Traditional International Mugham Festival, held from March 7-14, 2018, in Baku, Azerbaijan, Ilyos Arabov took first place. Additionally, Azerbaijan's musical group "Hayrati" participated in the International Maqom Art Forum held from September 5-10, 2018, in Shahrisabz and won first place.

In the “Maqom Art” festival organized from June 27-30, 2024, in the Zomin district, a delegation headed by Azerbaijan's Minister of Culture, Adil Karimli, as well as the “Vatan” ensemble and musicologists, participated.

- What can you say about the recognition and awards that the leaders of the two countries have presented to masters of arts in recent years?

- In recent years, the visits exchanged by President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan have set the strategic direction for relations between our countries.

Both Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are economically powerful states within the Turkic world. The cultural sector holds great promise as one of the areas that can significantly contribute to strengthening relations between the two friendly states and the broader Turkic-speaking nations.

Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, who has successfully continued the policies of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, friendship and brotherhood relations with Uzbekistan have flourished in all areas. Currently, the personal relationship between President Ilham Aliyev and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev plays a crucial role in elevating Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan relations to a high level. It is no coincidence that both presidents frequently meet not only during state and official visits but also at various international events. These friendly relations between the two leaders are of great importance in developing cooperation and strategic partnership between the two countries and achieving the set goals.

The joint "Friendship" concerts organized during the meetings of the two countries' leaders can serve as an example, as well as the awarding of the highest state honors to the masters of arts from Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, which deserves admiration.

In 2023, during Uzbekistan Culture Days in Azerbaijan, a group of Uzbek artists was awarded high state honors of Azerbaijan, and the awards were ceremoniously presented.

Specifically, Uzbekistan's People's Artist Nasiba Abdullayeva was honored with the title of "People's Artist of Azerbaijan," while Uzbekistan’s People’s Artist Abduhoshim Ismoilov and the chief conductor of the Uzbek State Symphony Orchestra, Honored Artist of Uzbekistan Kamoliddin Urinboev, were awarded the “Friendship” Order.

On August 22, 2024, at the Forum Palace in Tashkent, a ceremony took place to present honorary titles, in accordance with the relevant decrees of the Presidents of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. Farrukh Zokirov was awarded the title of "People's Artist," and Polad Bülbüloğlu was honored with the title of "People's Artist of the Republic of Uzbekistan."

The honorary titles were ceremoniously presented by Uzbekistan's Minister of Culture Ozodbek Nazarbekov and Azerbaijan's Minister of Culture Adil Karimli.

- Could you tell us about the chronology of cooperation in culture and arts between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan as of 2024?
• January 23-26: "Uzbekistan Science and Culture Days" were held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
• March 17: A concert by the Yunus Rajabi Uzbek National Maqam Art Center ensemble took place at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azerbaijan.
• April 2-5: Azerbaijani representatives participated in the opening ceremony of the "Cultural Capital of the Commonwealth" events.
• April 17-20: Azerbaijani representatives participated in the Young Creators Forum of Turkic-speaking countries, organized by the Ministry of Culture and the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) in Bukhara.
• April 25-30: Azerbaijani representatives took part in the "Lazgi" dance festival in Khiva.
• May 1-3: A delegation from Uzbekistan, headed by Minister of Culture Ozodbek Nazarbekov, participated in the World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue on the theme "Dialogue for Cooperation and Interaction: Peace and Global Security" held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
• May 9-11: A delegation from Uzbekistan, led by Minister of Culture Ozodbek Nazarbekov, took part in the official opening ceremony of the "Shusha – 2024 Islamic Culture Capital" events in Baku.
• June 10-14: Azerbaijan Culture Days were organized in Tashkent.
• June 27-30: A delegation led by Azerbaijani Minister of Culture Adil Karimli, along with the “Vatan” group and musicologists, participated in the "Maqom Art" festival held in Zomin district.
• July 20-23: "Uzbekistan Film Days" were organized in Baku, during which a meeting took place between the First Deputy Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan, Avazhon Tajikhanov, and Azerbaijani Minister of Culture Adil Karimli.