Participants of the International Bakhshi Art Festival

Dear participants of the festival!
Dear guests!

Ladies and gentlemen!

I sincerely congratulate you on the opening of the third International Bakhshi Art Festival in the beautiful city of Gulistan.

I am glad to welcome the representatives of reputable international organizations present here – UNESCO, AISESCO, TURKSOY, the Foundation of Turkic Culture and Heritage, the sphere of folk art, cultural and art figures from more than thirty foreign countries, media workers, I express my deep respect and best wishes to all of you.

Dear Forum members!

You are certainly well aware that folklore of different peoples occupies a unique place among the priceless pearls of the world cultural heritage. The significance of the art of bakhshi, which stands at the origins of oral folk art, lies primarily in the fact that it sings the noblest feelings and qualities of a person, revealing his inner world.

In these difficult times, it is especially important that the life–affirming sound of these melodies and songs makes it possible to realize that humanity has common roots and calls on all countries and peoples on earth to live in harmony, friendship and cooperation.

Therefore, our people have always highly appreciated and revered Bakhshi, akyns and Zhirov storytellers - ardent singers of the national soul, noble people who have fulfilled this great mission with honor for centuries. Indeed, dastans and songs, as if in a mirror, vividly reflect the wonderful qualities of our people, their age-old dreams, hopes and worries, and in times of trials they instilled in us boundless strength of spirit and faith in bright days.

Speaking of this, I stopped only at our folklore. You, dear guests, who have arrived from different continents and regions, will certainly confirm that such properties are inherent in the art of every nation in the world.

In the current conditions, when the processes of globalization are intensifying and genuine art, unfortunately, is increasingly being replaced by show business and mass culture, we consider it our sacred duty to carefully preserve classical art, unique primordial samples of folk art as an invaluable spiritual treasure and pass it on to future generations.

It should be noted that in recent years significant work has been carried out in Uzbekistan to further develop the sphere of culture, including the art of bakhshi. The republic's Bakhshi Art Center and the Bakhshi Art Development Fund operate in the country, ensembles of this genre operate in the regions.

A golden fund of dastans and songs recorded from the mouths of talented folklore masters is being formed. Books and collections of monuments of oral folk art are regularly published, scientific expeditions and conferences are organized. The memory of famous storytellers is perpetuated, popular science works, documentaries are dedicated to them, classes and art circles of bakhshi operate in educational institutions.

Today's international festival, held in our country for the third time, is another vivid expression of our practical work in this direction. Thanks to such a systematic approach, the art of bakhshi, makom and academic performance is becoming increasingly popular among young people. The traditions of "master – student" are being strengthened in the sphere, we are all pleased with the appearance of new talents who perform unique works of folklore art with soul, love and high skill.

Dear friends!

The festival, which enjoys authority and occupies an increasingly important place in the hearts of art fans, is taking place in the Syrdarya region for a reason this year. Our people are well aware that this fertile land, where dombra and chankovuz melodies have sounded since ancient times, having rich folklore traditions and heritage, has nurtured such talented storytellers as Murod Bakhshi, Hamrokul Bakhshi, Gulmurod Bakhshi, Akram Bulbul, Saidakhmad and Saidmurod Bakhshi, outstanding poets who are the pride of the Syrdarya region – Turu Sulaimon and Halim Khudoiberdiyev. Their songs and poems, imbued with folk wisdom, are still heard today in the performance of followers.

Dear Forum members!

I am sure that the International Bakhshi Art Festival, held on this blessed land in these wonderful days, when the breath of spring is still felt, cordial meetings with our kind and hospitable people, acquaintance with the unique culture and unfading values of our people will bring you inspiration, fill you with the joy of new creativity.

I express my sincere gratitude to the distinguished ambassadors of foreign countries and representatives of international organizations participating in today's celebration.

I wish you success in the work of the international scientific and practical conference, which will be held within the framework of the festival.

Welcome to the ancient land of Uzbekistan, a wonderful folk art festival!

Shavkat Mirziyoyev,

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan