Lessons 16 · 1 lessons · N. Jo‘rayev, A. Zamonov. History of Uzbekistan (the period of independence): textbook for Grade 11 pupils of secondary schools and for secondary specialised and vocational institutions. 1st edition. G‘afur G‘ulom Publishing and Printing Creative House, Tashkent, 2018
16
Culture and the arts in Uzbekistan
Textbook: pp. 102–108
GoalDescribe with dates and examples the changes in theatre, music, fine arts, cinema, literature and museums.
New words
theatre: the art of staged performance, and its building · teatrfestival: a series of performances or contests, often held regularly · festivalShashmaqom: the classical musical tradition of Bukhara and Central Asia · Shashmaqommuseum: an institution preserving and exhibiting objects of cultural value · muzey
Explanation
In the independence years new cultural institutions opened and existing ones were renewed: the “Turkiston” palace began work in 1993, the “Uzbekistan” International Forums Palace in 2009, and in October 2015 the reconstructed Alisher Navoi Grand Theatre reopened. Since 1997 the “Sharq taronalari” international music festival has been held in Samarkand every two years; a symphonic music festival was also held in 1998. UNESCO’s intangible heritage list includes Shashmaqom (2008), the cultural space of Boysun (2008), Navruz (2009), askiya (2014) and Uzbek plov (2016). In fine arts the Academy of Arts was founded in 1997 and measures supporting handicrafts were set out; in cinema the “Uzbekkino” national agency was created in 2004. According to the textbook the number of museums rose from 73 in 1991–1994 to nearly 450 in 2017; a decree on improving museum work was issued in 1998, and the Museum of the Memory of the Victims of Repression opened in 2002.
Worked examples
Example: performers from many countries take part in the “Sharq taronalari” festival, which introduces Uzbek music to the world and strengthens cultural exchange between performers.
Example: some days of the week bring free museum entry for children and parents, aiming to raise young people’s interest in history.
Class activity
Culture poster: groups design a week-long poster of cultural events for their city (theatre, museum, concert, exhibition) and name a target audience for each.
Practice
1
In which city and how often is the “Sharq taronalari” festival held?
In Samarkand, once every two years (from 1997).
2
Name five Uzbek elements of intangible heritage on UNESCO’s list with their years.
Shashmaqom (2008), the cultural space of Boysun (2008), Navruz (2009), askiya (2014), Uzbek plov (2016).
3
Why are festivals and contests held to safeguard intangible cultural heritage?
Because such heritage passes from generation to generation through performers; festivals find performers, attract young people and keep the tradition alive.
4
How did the number of museums change from 1991–1994 to 2017 (according to the textbook)?