Cultural Heritage - The Times Of Central Asia

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Education Tajikistan Tourism Archaeology UNESCO Cultural Heritage US aid AFCP Panjakent

US Embassy Boosts Preservation of Tajikistan’s Ancient City

On April 26, U.S. Ambassador to Tajikistan Manuel P. Micaller, Jr. attended the celebration of the restoration of the Silk Road’s ancient city of Panjakent. Located in Tajikistan’s Sughd region and dating back to the 5th century, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Financed by the U.S. Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) program, the U.S. Embassy awarded a grant of $186,766 to the Public Organization Javononi Peshsaf for the preservation and restoration of four of Panjakent’s key archaeological structures: the Zoroastrian temple, and corner tower-defensive wall, both constructed between the 5th-8th centuries; the defensive wall, dating back to the early fifth century, and the ceremonial hall Rustamiada, built between the 7th-8th centuries. The ancient Panjakent archeological site project, implemented by Javononi Peshsaf, in close cooperation with local authorities and the Archeological Base of Panjakent and Sarazm, offers significant potential to increasing international tourism and academic interest, and in the words of the ambassador, “boost local economy and improve the prosperity of the Tajik people.” The site which illustrates the history of Sogdians, provides a unique and rare insight into life in Central Asia during the fifth to eighth centuries. After years of being buffered by the elements, the site once carefully restored with traditional materials, including mud bricks and mortar and clay plaster, is now being preserved for generations to come. In his address, Ambassador Micaller stated, “I am honoured and proud to celebrate our partnership to preserve the ancient city of Panjakent. For the U.S. Embassy, supporting the restoration of this ancient Silk Road city is one of the most meaningful ways we can express our respect for, and appreciation of, Tajikistan’s rich history and culture.”

Qazaq Culture Cultural Heritage Tourism Kazakhstan

Qazaq Culture Portal Launched in Kazakhstan

In an enlightened new initiative to attract international attention to the country’s rich cultural and historical heritage, the Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan has supported the creation of an information and educational portal on Qazaq Culture. Available in the six official languages of the United Nations, as well as Kazakh and Turkish, the portal offers a unique and comprehensive insight into Kazakhstan’s many diverse regions. Visitors to the site will be afforded a virtual exploration of the country’s landmarks and attractions in the section, ‘Culture of Kazakhstan Through the Prism of Artificial Intelligence’, and delve deeper into its heritage by accessing source material and publications held in the Archive Fund of Kazakhstan. In addition to a cultural news blog covering a vibrant array of festivals, contests, film and theatre premieres, books, and art exhibitions, the website will feature a single ticket system for all the cultural facilities in Kazakhstan.

Traditions Cultural Heritage

Preserving Heritage: How the Manas Epic Inspires Kyrgyzstan’s Youth

A nation steeped in cultural heritage, Kyrgyzstan continues to be proud of its unique attractions, and among them, the epic work "Manas" occupies a special place. The Manas epic is of special importance because it contains rich information on history, ethnography, philosophy, language, diplomacy, military affairs, folk pedagogy, and other aspects of life of the Kyrgyz people. Another distinctive feature of Manas is its huge volume - more than half a million lines of verse - which makes it the longest epic in the world. The relevance of Manas continues, today. Theatrical productions based on the work and competitions to display knowledge of it underscore the continuing interest in this great literary heritage. An observer of these contests, Zhanara believes that Manas still has a profound impact on the people of the regions, especially on schoolchildren who participate in these competitions. "Such events are conducted with a very careful selection process, which implies the serious preparation of the participants. At the end of the day, their efforts yield results and well-deserved prizes," she told TCA. However, journalist Aigerim from Bishkek believes the Manas epic still has a profound effect even on urban youth. "I think the epic plays a significant role for the whole country. Although not everyone knows it in full, key plot points are known to almost everyone and are often reflected in everyday life. For example, 'Kokotay's wake,' which lasted for several weeks and was very lavish. Also, the main characters can be called role models to a certain extent: brave and fair Manas, wise Bakai and weak, vain Bokmurun, whose name literally translates as ‘snotty nose’,” she told TCA. The epic also contributes to the development of young people's creative abilities. "In almost every classroom, scenes from the epic are staged and students study its lines. Manaschi (bards), who continue to be the performers and custodians of this epic, still enjoy respect and popularity. I recently became aware of a case where a young boy was given a stallion in recognition for his outstanding performance. Mairam, a blogger from Osh, sees Manas as an integral part of Kyrgyz culture and traditions. She notes the epic serves as a key cultural code for the Kyrgyz people. "'Manas is a kind of portrait of the Kyrgyz nation as heroic and brave,” she told TCA. “It also reflects Kyrgyz culture in detail, and I, along with many of my friends, turn to it as a cultural touchstone so that we don't forget who we are."

Cultural Heritage

Kazakhstan Announces Date of 5th World Nomad Games

The 5th World Nomad Games will be held in Astana from September 8th to 14th, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Kazakhstan has said. It is expected that close to 4,000 athletes from more than a hundred countries will compete in the games, which will include twenty competitive and ten demonstration events, with 110 sets of medals being competed for. Equestrian sports, traditional wrestling, archery, bird hunting, and traditional intellectual games will all be included. It is also expected that more than 100,000 tourists will attend sporting and cultural events during the games. An ethno-village, “Universe of Nomads,” will be opened in Astana, where every visitor will be able to get acquainted with the culture and traditions of the Kazakh people, as well as the cultures of participating countries. Up to 30,000 residents and guests in Astana will be able to visit the ethno-village daily, the ministry stated. The games will be held under the motto, “Meeting in the Great Steppe.” The World Nomad Games were initiated by the government of Kyrgyzstan in 2012 for the revival and preservation of the culture of nomadic civilizations. The First World Nomad Games were held in September 2014 in the resort city of Cholpon Ata on Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan.

Cultural Heritage

Tajikistan Elevates Cultural Presence with Permanent Delegation at UNESCO

In a significant move, Tajikistan has taken a stride towards enhancing its international cultural representation by establishing a Permanent Delegation to UNESCO. President Emomali Rahmon, on January 12th, issued a decree formalizing the establishment of this delegation. The decision is expected to bolster Tajikistan's standing in the global community, facilitating active engagement with UNESCO, and providing a platform to advocate for and safeguard the nation’s cultural heritage on the international stage. Tajikistan has already made notable contributions to UNESCO's recognition of cultural treasures. In December, the traditional art of text decoration known as "Tazhib" and the celebration of "Sada" secured places on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Additionally, the craft of producing atlas and adras, as well as cultural elements like chakan, the musical genre "falak," and the observance of "Yaldo night" have earned spots on UNESCO's list. Given the shared cultural heritage of Central Asian nations, certain elements transcend national borders, embodying the essence of regional traditions. For instance, Tajikistan, along with other Central Asian countries, shares intangible cultural heritage items like the Navruz holiday, shashmakom music, silk weaving techniques, and the art of making the traditional dish, plov. Tajikistan is actively pursuing UNESCO recognition for the ancient farmers' festival, Mehrgon, as part of its intangible cultural heritage. Mehrgon, deeply rooted in Tajik history, marks the culmination of the harvest season. Its inclusion in UNESCO's list would represent an acknowledgment of Tajikistan's distinctive cultural traditions. Moreover, Tajikistan has submitted a proposal to inscribe twelve sites of ancient Khuttal on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Register. This collection of sites includes cities, palaces, fortresses, mausoleums, and monasteries, collectively bearing witness to the profound history of the region. If accepted, the inclusion of these sites on the World Cultural Heritage List would contribute to their preservation for generations to come.

Cultural Heritage

Summit of Heads of Government to be held on 300th Anniversary of Pyragy

In 2024, Turkmenistan will host a summit of heads of government and an international conference of Ministers of Culture in honor of the 300th anniversary of the birth of Magtymguly Pyragy, the great Turkmen poet and thinker. The initiative was announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rashid Meredov, TDH reports. The summit is scheduled to be held in October, whilst the ministerial conference will take place in May. In addition, Turkmenistan plans to organize various events, such as scientific conferences, contests, literary evenings, film screenings and theatrical productions, as well as creative weeks in countries around the world. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov instructed the head of the Foreign Ministry to ensure a highly organized roster of international events designed to increase the international renown of the poet.