BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 26. On April 26, 2025, the II Forum of Turkic World Culture and the international scientific-practical conference titled "Bakhshi Art in the New Uzbekistan: Modern Research and Perspectives" officially commenced in the historic city of Khiva, TurkicWorld reports.
Speaking at the Forum, President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, Mrs. Aktoty Raimkulova, expressed her sincere gratitude to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, His Excellency Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the Ministry of Culture for their comprehensive support and initiative in organizing such a large-scale and significant event, as well as for the warm welcome and renowned Uzbek hospitality.
In her speech, Mrs. Raimkulova conveyed special joy regarding the upcoming accession of Uzbekistan as a full-fledged member of the Foundation:
"This step marks a significant milestone in deepening Turkic integration and opens new horizons for joint scientific, cultural, and educational initiatives".
Forum participants were presented with an overview of key projects carried out by the Foundation aimed at preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Turkic world on the global stage. Among the priority areas are the preparation of the Anthology of Turkic Folklore, the creation of a multilingual digital catalog of cultural heritage, the organization of international conferences and exhibitions, support for restoration projects, and the establishment of Turkic Culture and Heritage Centers. The Foundation expressed its readiness to establish one such Center in Tashkent with the support of the Ministry of Culture of Uzbekistan.
Mrs. Raimkulova emphasized that the event is not only dedicated to advancing academic research on the art of bakhshi but also plays a key role in strengthening the cultural and spiritual ties among the countries of the Turkic world.
It is worth noting that the Forum, chaired by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, was attended by the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Deputy Minister of Culture of the Kyrgyz Republic, heads and representatives of international organizations such as ICESCO, TURKSOY, TURKPA, and the Turkic Academy, along with renowned folklorists, scholars, bakhshis, cultural figures of the Turkic world, and media representatives.
