Cultural Cooperation - The Times Of Central Asia

Viewing results 1 - 6 of 10

American Musicians Celebrate the Dutar During Tour of Turkmenistan

The Turkmen dutar, a two-stringed lute, and symbol of the nation’s musical heritage, left a lasting impression on American artists visiting Turkmenistan on a recent tour. Musicians Keith Bass, Aaron Young, and Richard Steighner praised the uniqueness of Turkmenistan’s traditional music during their performances as part of the “Broadway and Beyond” concert series. The tour began with its first concert on January 16 at the Mukam Palace in Ashgabat. The American performers shared the stage with the State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan, led by conductor Rasul Klychev, and soloists from the State Choir. The concert program featured a mix of popular Broadway melodies and innovative interpretations of the works of Makhtumkuli Fraghi, the national Turkmen poet. A standout moment of the evening was the performance of “I Want to Feel the Wind,” a song based on Makhtumkuli’s poetry and composed especially for the tour. Beatboxer Richard Steighner highlighted the creative synthesis of styles that emerged during the collaboration. “Blending my beatboxing with the soft yet rich sound of the dutar was an unforgettable experience,” Steighner said. “The beauty of Turkmen music is astounding, and the dutar was a true revelation for us. We even incorporated it into an original piece, creating a unique fusion of traditional melodies and modern trends.” Keith Bass, another member of the ensemble, emphasized the value of cultural exchange. “Working with Makhtumkuli’s works gave us an opportunity to view music through a new lens. Every concert here has become a platform for creative experimentation,” Bass said. U.S. Ambassador to Turkmenistan Elizabeth Rood, who attended the Ashgabat performance, highlighted the role of cultural events in fostering international understanding. “Music and culture are bridges that unite people. We will continue to support projects that preserve cultural heritage and serve as symbols of friendship and trust,” Rood said. Following the debut in Ashgabat, the “Broadway and Beyond” series will continue with performances in Turkmenbashi, Balkanabad, and Dashoguz.

international tourism Cultural Cooperation Disinformation Bilateral Cooperation Mass Media

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Intensify Efforts to Combat Disinformation

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have agreed to deepen their collaboration in the information sector, focusing on combating disinformation and fake news. The agreement was formalized during a meeting between representatives from Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture and Information and Uzbekistan’s Agency of Information and Mass Communications under the President’s Administration in Tashkent. A cooperation plan for 2025 was signed, covering several initiatives, including media content exchange, training programs for journalists and press secretaries, and support for young media professionals. This agreement builds on commitments made during Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Kazakhstan on August 8, when both nations adopted a joint statement on mass communication cooperation. Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture and Information emphasized the importance of establishing robust mechanisms to counter fake news and fostering media integration through collaborative projects. The meeting also highlighted plans to organize press tours aimed at enhancing journalistic expertise and strengthening professional ties. A key focus was the development of the Silk Way TV channel, presented by Robert Muradyan, Managing Director of Kazakhstan’s Presidential TV and Radio Complex. The channel is envisioned as a platform for expanding content exchange among Central Asian nations. Additionally, Kazakhstan’s delegation is participating in the VI meeting of ministers and officials responsible for media, hosted by the Organization of Turkic States from December 17 to 19. Both sides expressed their readiness to bolster cooperation, which they see as integral to achieving strategic goals in media development and countering information threats. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are proactively addressing the issue of disinformation through legislative and educational measures. In Kazakhstan, the dissemination of false information is punishable by administrative and criminal penalties, including fines or imprisonment of up to seven years, with the severity of the punishment determined by the level of harm caused. Uzbekistan has also taken significant steps. In September 2024, the First Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan Media Forum was held in Tashkent, where participants discussed cooperative efforts to combat disinformation and improve media literacy. Uzbekistan is also implementing projects to establish cooperative mechanisms in the media sphere and organize press tours for journalists to enhance their skills. Both nations recognize the critical importance of combating disinformation to maintain the integrity of their media landscapes. By prioritizing educational initiatives, international collaboration, and media literacy, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are taking meaningful steps to ensure a more informed and resilient public.

TV Cultural Cooperation Mass Media Government

Euronews Expands Central Asian Presence with New Office in Astana

A regional office of the Euronews TV channel has opened in Astana, marking a significant milestone in promoting Kazakhstan internationally. Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva described the development as an important step in showcasing the nation’s cultural heritage, tourism potential, and investment opportunities to a global audience. “The opening of the Euronews office will provide fresh momentum for popularizing Kazakh culture and serve as a platform for intercultural dialogue and innovative solutions,” Balayeva stated. Euronews has a history of collaboration with Kazakhstan, including its role as a media partner for the World Nomad Games held in Astana. The event’s broadcasts reached over 39 million viewers worldwide. Additionally, the channel has produced ten programs spotlighting Kazakhstan’s investment initiatives and cultural heritage. Euronews Chairman Pedro Vargas highlighted the channel’s commitment to narrating Kazakhstan's unique history - from the era of the Kazakh Khanate to its modern status as an independent Republic, which will celebrate 35 years of sovereignty next year. “We aim to inform global audiences about Kazakhstan’s culture, economy, and heritage by creating original TV shows and collaborating with local entrepreneurs and artists,” Vargas stated. A cornerstone of the collaboration is the Euronews Academy project, which will offer training and masterclasses for Kazakh journalists, enhancing the professional expertise of the nation’s media personnel. The channel is already developing 20 new initiatives, including the cultural and artistic program Modern Nomads, the business-focused East-West Connect, and the interview series, Voices from Central Asia.

Art and Culture Cultural Cooperation Science Literature Cultural Heritage History Great Britain

Turkmen Scientists Acquire Over 100 Rare Manuscripts from the UK

Researchers from the Institute of Language, Literature, and National Manuscripts at the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan have returned from the United Kingdom with 107 electronic copies of valuable manuscripts. These acquisitions enrich the collection of historical materials documenting the cultural heritage of the Turkmen people. From November 2 to 23, researchers Amandurdy Nuraev and Guichmyrat Changliyev conducted studies at two of the UK’s most renowned repositories: the British Library in London and the John Rylands Research Institute and Library in Manchester. These archives house extensive collections of historical documents, including rare manuscripts with significant relevance to Turkmenistan’s history and culture. The expedition culminated in the transfer of electronic copies of key documents to Turkmenistan. Among the manuscripts are works by prominent authors such as Makhtumkuli Fraghi, Alisher Navoi, Fizuli, and Hussein Baygara, along with other renowned oriental poets and scholars. Special emphasis was placed on uncovering works previously unknown to the Turkmen academic community. In addition to literary compositions, the manuscripts provide unique insights into the history and traditions of the Turkmen people. These materials offer new opportunities for studying the heritage of Makhtumkuli Fraghi, a celebrated figure and symbol of Turkmenistan’s national culture. This significant achievement enhances the preservation and understanding of Turkmenistan’s rich literary and historical legacy, contributing to broader academic and cultural exploration.

TURKSOY Cultural Cooperation Organization of Turkic States Literature Cultural Heritage

Ashgabat Hosts Turkic Writers’ Forum

On October 18-19, leading cultural and literary figures gathered in Ashgabat, to attend a forum of Turkic writers organized within the program “Anau—Cultural Capital of the Turkic World 2024". With a focus on the importance of preserving and developing common cultural heritage, the event attracted representatives of the writers' unions of Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, as well as prominent cultural figures of Turkmenistan. Honored guests included Ulugbek Esdevlet, president of the TURKSOY Writers' Union, and Sultan Raev, secretary general of the organization, who in his address, emphasized: “This forum is a unique platform for demonstrating the rich literary heritage of the Turkic world and passing on our common cultural heritage to future generations.” During the forum, the Union of TURKSOY Writers held a meeting to discuss promising projects for developing the literature of Turkic-speaking peoples, including programs to support young authors, the expansion of translation activities, and the organization of international literary contests. In addition to complementary activities such as poetry readings, the forum afforded students from the Turkmen State Institute of Culture, a unique opportunity to engage with prominent writers.

Turkish language Turkic Alphabet Cultural Cooperation Education Cultural Heritage

Turkey Replaces “Central Asia” with “Turkestan” in New History Curriculum

Turkey’s Ministry of National Education has unveiled significant changes to its history curriculum, replacing the phrase “Central Asia” with “Turkestan.” Experts say this shift reinforces national identity and instills stronger patriotism in future generations. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stressed the importance of the unity of the Turkic world: “We will work shoulder to shoulder to make the coming period the era of the Turks by extending our vision of the ‘Turkish Century’ to the Organization of Turkic States.” Professor Ahmet Taşagıl explained the historical meaning of the term Turkestan to TRT Haber. “The word Turkestan, meaning ‘homeland of the Turks’, has been used since the earliest periods of history. In the second half of the 19th century, due to the Russian invasion, the concept of Central Asia was introduced and spread instead of the name Turkestan,” he mentions. Associate Professor Ramin Sadık commented on the decision of the Ministry of Education for TRT Haber. “Our appeal to the concept of Turkestan and its inclusion in textbooks by the Ministry of National Education is a very correct decision. Both Turkey and Turkestan mean a region where the Turks predominantly live,” Sadık said. The expert notes that during efforts to create a shared history, geography, literature, maps, and alphabet for the Turkic world, the Ministry of National Education’s decision to use “Turkestan” in textbooks, even for children, is a significant step. He believes this change is a crucial start and a valuable contribution to Turkey, the entire Turkic world, and its partner countries. Experts say the change is part of a broader strategy to strengthen ties in the Turkic world, including creating a shared history, literature, maps, and alphabet.