On June 24, 2026, the city of Namangan in the Republic of Uzbekistan hosted an international conference entitled “New Trends in Eastern Maqom: The Interconnection of Tradition and Innovation” within the framework of the 3rd International Maqom Art Forum.
Addressing the conference, President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, Professor Aktoty Raimkulova, emphasized the importance of preserving the art of maqom and ensuring its transmission to future generations. She highlighted the special role of the Republic of Uzbekistan in safeguarding and promoting the cultural heritage of the Turkic World, as well as the extensive efforts being undertaken in the country to support culture, arts, science, and education.
In her speech, Professor Raimkulova paid particular attention to the Foundation’s projects aimed at the digitalization of cultural heritage, as well as international initiatives dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the First Baku Turkological Congress. She noted that modern technologies and artificial intelligence create new opportunities for the preservation, study, and promotion of cultural heritage, including the art of maqam.
Expressing strong support for the initiatives announced by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan during the opening ceremony of the Forum, Professor Raimkulova highly praised the proposal to grant the under-construction Maqom Center in New Tashkent the status of the World Maqom Center, as well as the establishment of an International Maqom Academy, an International Digital Library, and a scientific laboratory under its auspices, alongside the preparation of a World Anthology of Maqom. According to her, the implementation of these initiatives will contribute significantly to the preservation and international promotion of the unique musical heritage of the peoples of the world.
During the conference, scholars, musicologists, cultural figures, and representatives of international organizations from various countries discussed contemporary trends in the development of Eastern maqam art, the preservation of traditional musical heritage, the application of digital technologies and innovative approaches, and the promotion of maqam among younger generations.
The conference was highly praised by participants as an important platform for identifying future directions in the development of Turkic and Eastern musical traditions, strengthening academic and cultural ties, and expanding international cooperation in the humanitarian sphere.
