Asrlar sadosi � 2010 on the Amu Darya banks

Very soon, on May 8-9, Khiva � the heart of Khorezm oasis � will host Asrlar sadosi (Echo of ages) Traditional Culture Festival, a grand collaborative project of the Fund Forum and UNESCO, which will present the entire diversity of Uzbek national traditions and customs, applied art, unique oral and nonmaterial legacy of Uzbekistan.
Asrlar sadosi Festival is held annually in different regions of Uzbekistan, and features specialists, scientists and international guests as participants. Starting its route in 2008 in Shakhrisabz, the homeland of Tamerlane, and going through 2200-year-old Tashkent last year, the Festival caravan has now reached Khiva, the pearl of the Amu Darya.
Khiva, a treasure hidden within the red sands of Kyzylkum Desert, has a history that spans 2,500 years and is one of the crucial centres of the Great Silk Road. The architectural monuments in Khiva, a city that has rightfully been named a �museum-city�, are among the world�s most unique sites. Nowadays Khiva offers an impeccable idea of what a Central Asian town would like in the middle ages, with its minarets and domes reminiscent of decorations from the �Arabian Nights�. Efforts by artists, builders and decorators over the past few centuries have helped to preserve the authentic image of Khiva and lent it an air of eternity.
The third Traditional Culture Festival will take place in Ichan-Qala, the most ancient part of Khiva, surrounded by walls which have fallen and risen again several times throughout history. Ichan-Qala is a sort of architectural and artistic storehouse as well as a residential place with almost 26 hectares and 2,200 metres of fortifications rising up to 8 metres in height. No city offers an entire part of shakhristan as well preserved as Ichan-Qala in Khiva. No wonder Ichan-Qala complex is among UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The Festival Programme will include, as in previous events, popular merrymaking, performances by folk groups, decorative and applied art fairs, National Dress Festival, scientific presentations and master classes by local historians and art critics.

Asian Development Bank to Hold 43rd Annual Meeting in Tashkent

ADB is an international development finance institution whose mission is to help its developing member countries reduce poverty and improve the quality of life of their people.

Headquartered in Manila, and established in 1966, ADB is owned and financed by its 67 members, of which 48 are from the region and 19 are from other parts of the globe.

ADB's main partners are governments, the private sector, nongovernment organizations, development agencies, community-based organizations, and foundations.

Under Strategy 2020, a long-term strategic framework adopted in 2008, ADB will follow three complementary strategic agendas: inclusive growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration.

In pursuing its vision, ADB's main instruments comprise loans, technical assistance, grants, advice, and knowledge.

Although most lending is in the public sector - and to governments - ADB also provides direct assistance to private enterprises of developing countries through equity investments, guarantees, and loans. In addition, its triple-A credit rating helps mobilize funds for development.

Article 28 of the ADB Charter vests all the powers of the institution in the Board of Governors, which in turn delegates these powers to the Board of Directors, except for those powers reserved for the Board of Governors in the Charter.

The Board of Governors meets formally once a year in ADB's Annual Meeting.

The Forty-Third Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank will be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from Monday, 3 May to Tuesday, 4 May 2010.

The Turtkultepa - the biggest caravanserai on the Great Silk Road

Uzbekistan - France archeological expedition is exploring the area of archeological site �Turtkultepa�, which is located between villages Gulba and Shurcha, Djizak province, Zaamin district, together with the Institute of Archeology after the name of Gulyamov. All archeological findings brought to the new dates and conclusions, here was the city with developed infrastructure and rich culture.

In particular the arch above the entrance to the area of caravanserai Turtkultepa was very wide. The Parade square, the locations of the rooms of the historical constriction give us the possibility to suppose that here placed very big caravanserai, where were trade and cultural exchange between people.

Only the size of the preserved part of the wall on the place of the main gates was about 7- 8 meters. This proves that the height of this part of the complex in due time was 14-15 meters.

The floors of reception hall with the size 7-30 meters were skillfully made by flat stones, that gave to the building original solemnity. The walls of caravansaray with the thickness of 3,2 meters are telling us how solid was this construction.

On the opinion of the head of the expedition researcher of Samarkand Archeological Institute, Aleksey Andreevich Gritsin, Turtkultepa is �quadrangular height� the monument of 11-13 centuries AD. It was one of the richest and strongest caravansaray�s of the Great Silk Road.

Well-known French archeologist France Grene said that the research of 2007-2008 gave very good results. The architectural-building patterns opened by the expedition were in the style of constructions of Sogdiana. �This caravanserai one of the biggest on the Great silk Road not just within the limits of Central Asia but at the distance from Iran to China�- concluded French archeologist France Grene.

All this points that developed culture of Uzbekistan, in due time, without doubts, made a huge influence on the history of the world civilization.

On the opinion of another participant of the expedition - French archeologist Clode de Vesner, in the historical construction Turtkultepa one�s can observe very rare architectural style with the use of stones and breaks with the inherent them regal solemnity.

Caravanserai in Turtkultepa during the Mongol invasion was set on fire, after that destroyed and never been reconstructed�

After finishing of the archeological expedition this historical city with the rich archeological findings will be opened for the visitors.

The 15th International Tashkent Tourism Fair

The 15th International Tashkent Tourism Fair �Tourism on the Silk Road� finished in the capital of Uzbekistan on 21 October. The forum has been organized by the Uzbektourism national company.

Opening the fair, chairman of Uzbektourism Z.Khakimov said that tourism in Uzbekistan was developing like all other sectors. The country, situated in the center of the Great Silk Road, attracts more and more foreign tourists with its historical monuments, unique culture and traditions, and wonderful nature.

Tourism helps raise the living level of the population, create additional workplaces and strengthen international ties. The wide-scale reforms in the tourism sector held on the initiative of the President Islam Karimov are giving their notable results.

The number of modern hotels is increasing, the quality of service is improving, new tourist routes are being developed and transport communications are being renewed. All of this contributes to the development of the tourism sector.

The main goal of the Tashkent Tourism Fair is to promote the huge tourist potential of Uzbekistan and expand the relations between the local and foreign tourism and travel companies. Held since 1995, the fair is one of the largest tourist forums in Central Asia.

The number of the fair participants has been increasing from year to year. If in 2008 more than 100 companies from 23 countries took part in the forum, this year their number is more than 200.

The fair participants can get acquainted with the services related to environmental and sports tourism, the work of the hotels, insurance and banking services, the activity of the national and regional tourist organizations and travel agencies.

Vice Prime Minister of Uzbekistan R.Kasymov and the hokim of the city of Tashkent A.Tukhtayev participated in the opening of the Tourism Fair.

On 18 October, the Day of Samarkand was celebrated. On this day in 1996, President Islam Karimov presented the Amir Temur order to the city and proposed marking this date as the Day of Samarkand every year.

The order was presented to the city at the opening of the monument to Amir Temur in connection with the 660th anniversary of this ruler.

Since then, the residents of Samarkand widely celebrate this date. The streets of the city are beautifully decorated, and various events are held in the parks and on the squares of Samarkand.

This city, which is more than 2,750 years old (anniversary celebrated in 2007), has for ages been known as the pearl of the Orient.

Having a large number of historical monuments, the city attracts tourists from all over the world.

In the ancient times, Samarkand was known as the large center of science and culture, trade and craftsmanship. The city was the capital of Amir Temur�s state.

Every two years, Samarkand hosts the international music festival Sharq Taronalari (Oriental Melodies).

The festival aims to preserve and develop the traditions of the national musical art of various peoples.

Tashkent city�s 2200th anniversary to be celebrated in 2009

 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov signed a resolution on 2 April on preparation to the 2200th anniversary of the city of Tashkent, to be held in 2009.

Historical monuments in the city will be reconstructed and new objects will be built, together with development of the social infrastructure.

An international conference on the role of Tashkent in the world civilization will be held in March 2009 with participation of local and foreign specialists.

At its 34th session in November 2007, UNESCO General Conference adopted a resolution on celebrating Tashkent�s 2200th jubilee and participation in the event.

  

The 14th international Tashkent tourism fair �Tourism on the Great Silk Road� started on 16 October in the capital of Uzbekistan.

The event, organized by the Uzbektourism national company, attracted representatives of the local and foreign tourist companies, hotels, restaurants, museums, diplomatic missions and other structures.

The main purpose of the exhibition is familiarizing the visitors with the high tourist potential of the country and expansion of cooperation with foreign tourist companies.

The fair, held regularly since 1995, has attracted more than 100 companies from 23 countries, including Russia, Spain, Greece, Latvia, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Turkey, Egypt, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, South Korea, Ukraine, Vietnam, Azerbaijan and Central Asian states.

The forum visitors can get acquainted with the activities of the tourism operators, transport companies, insurance and banking services, ecological and sports tourism.

In the framework of the two-day fair, its participants will be able to discuss joint projects and sign cooperation agreements.

 

Design and fashion week Style.Uz opened

 

The third Week of design and fashion Style.Uz 2008 opened in Tashkent on Sunday, October 12. It has been organized by the Fund �Forum of culture and art of Uzbekistan� and the Tashkent Style House.

World-famous designers, owners of popular jewelry and fashion brands, representatives of international organizations and TV channels working in the field of fashion, show business stars, editors of fashion magazines, public figures from various countries, including Austria, Germany, Israel, India, Italy, China, Latvia, Russia, France, Switzerland and Japan, are participating in the event.

The main aim of Style.Uz is development of the national and modern fashion and fashion industry in Uzbekistan, supporting young designers and creative dynasties related to producing fabrics, accessories and jewelry.

This year, such famous fashion houses as Sisi Wasabi (Germany), Wolford (Austria), DSQUARED2 (Italy), Revillon and Guy Laroche (France), as well as designers from Russia Alyona Ahmadullina and Julia Dalakian, Noria Surikabe from Japan, Sunit Varma from India, and Beijing institute of clothing technology have brought their collections to Tashkent.

From the Uzbek designers, collections of Saida Amir, Umida Muminova, Artyom Drobyshev, Sherzod Atabayev and Guli, are presented.

The first day of the Design and fashion week ended with a concert of the world-famous Spanish singer Julio Iglesias.

The Style.Uz 2008 week closed on 17 October in Samarkand with a grand defile and traditional Festival of national dress.

 

President's swearing ceremony held in Tashkent

 

Swearing-in ceremony of the President of Uzbekistan was held on 16 January at the joint session of the Legislative Chamber and the Senate of the Oliy Majlis in Tashkent.

Members of the Cabinet, heads of national organizations, members of the Central Election Commission and judges of the Constitutional Court, representatives of diplomatic missions and mass media participated in the session.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov made a speech at the joint session.

�Today, during these solemn minutes, from this high tribune, I would like to once again assure you and the people of Uzbekistan that I will mobilize all my efforts, knowledge and experience for full implementation of all priority tasks, outlined in my election campaign,� the head of the state said.

�The goal of my life is to further increase the potential and power of our state, to pursue the internal and foreign policy for development of the country, to ensure peaceful and calm, free and prosperous life of the people,� he added.

Islam Karimov expressed deep respect and gratitude to all voters who expressed their will at the elections and showed high trust to him.

UzA

The story dedicated to Margilan

The story dedicated to Marghilan, which recently celebrated its 2000th anniversary, has been published at the newspaper �Assalomu Alaykum� of the Friendship Association � Japan-Uzbekistan�. �Marghilan, which is situated at the Ferghana Valley, from the ancient times has been considered as o�n of the centers of Great Silk Road.It was well known all around the world for its silk, atlas, ceramics, armory and undoubtedly mouthwateringly delicious vegetables and fruits, the business card of the city�, - the newspaper wrote.The story highly assessed the contribution to the development of the Islamic science and culture, as well as world civilization by the well-known scholars, literary men and theologians from Marghilan, including those, whose names are respectfully mentioned, such as Abduaziz al-Marghinoni, Zakhiriddin Ali al-Marghinoni and Burkhoniddin al-Marghinoni. Besides, the newspaper wrote that a profound work has been carried out in Uzbekistan o�n studying and promoting the rich scientific and philosophic heritage of the Uzbek people in the world community.The restoration of historical monuments such as Pur Siddik Complex, Said Ahmad Khoji Madrassah, betterment of spacious avenues and parks within the framework of festive events held early September, will give to the citizens and guests of the city an opportunity o�nce more to get in touch with the rich history and culture of the Uzbek people, and will promote making Marghilan as o�ne of the important tourist centers in Uzbekistan, according to the newspaper. 

Information Agency �Jahon�  

6th "Sharq Taronalari" Festival Took Place in Samarkand

News Briefing On The Eve of 6th �Sharq Taronalari� Festival, Samarkand Jubilee Takes Place In Town. A press conference for the representatives of mass media dedicated to the preparations to hold the Sixth International Music Festival �Sharq taronalari� and the 2750th anniversary of Samarkand was held at the main square of the city in Registan, the Narodnoye slovo newspaper reported. The participants of the event spoke about the fact that the festival, which is now held for the sixth time gives all of them an opportunity to demonstrate the rich cultural heritage of the Uzbek people, its centuries-old traditions and customs. The participants and guests of the festival are becoming eyewitnesses of the profound reforms underway in the country. The forthcoming festival will demonstrate the continuity of generation. The program of jubilee festivals will also be distinguished with its originality. It includes in the performances of masters of arts of Uzbekistan, folklore and popular music groups, which demonstrate the glorious history of the city and uniqueness of the Samarkand people.The shows are going to take all around the perimeter of the Registan Square.