Budapest, August 12, 2024, The Europe Today: According to the NHC, an Uzbek delegation led by Yusufjon Usmanov, Deputy Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan, took part in the VIII cultural-ethnographic festival of the Turkic peoples, “Kurultay,” held in Hungary. The event was attended by officials from the Hungarian National Assembly, the Organization of Turkic States, TURKSOY, TURKPA, and other organizations, alongside representatives from various Turkic peoples.
During the festival, the Uzbek delegation engaged in successful negotiations, leading to agreements on deepening bilateral cooperation and implementing joint cultural projects. Notably, plans were made to hold days of Uzbek culture in Hungary, fostering further cultural exchange between the two nations.
The festival featured a rich array of cultural activities, including concerts, sports competitions, and both bilateral and multilateral meetings. The performances of Uzbek artists, particularly traditional status songs and bakhshi performances, were met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.
One of the highlights of the event was the “Bukhara Market” exhibition, which recreated the caravan palaces of the Great Silk Road and showcased unique expositions from Turkic peoples. Uzbek artisans displayed their finest works, including miniature art, pottery, wood and metal crafts, jewelry, and hand-stitched embroidery. Visitors had the opportunity not only to admire these works but also to purchase them, bringing a piece of Uzbek culture home.
An educational forum was also held as part of “Kurultay,” focusing on strengthening cooperation in education. Discussions covered the development of academic exchanges, bilateral degree programs, and joint scientific projects. Participants endorsed new educational initiatives aimed at sharing experience and knowledge in the fields of science, technology, and culture.
Kubanichbek Omuraliyev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States, emphasized the festival’s significance, stating, “This festival is very important for all Turkic peoples. Hungary is an observer country in the organization, but it is considered our active and important strategic partner. Hungary is also a connecting bridge between all Turkic countries and Europe.”
Peter Hoppal, Special Representative of Hungary for Cooperation with TDT Member States, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the growing friendship between Uzbekistan and Hungary. “The friendship between Uzbekistan and Hungary is getting stronger, and I am very happy to be here with you. It is very important for us that not only the ambassador of Uzbekistan in Budapest but also the deputy minister of culture participated in the ‘Kurultay,'” Hoppal remarked.
The participation of the Uzbek delegation in the “Kurultay” festival is expected to significantly strengthen the bonds of solidarity and friendship between the Uzbek and Hungarian peoples, providing an opportunity for Hungarians to engage with the rich cultural heritage of Uzbekistan.
