By Rehan Khan
ISLAMABAD, Tuesday, 7 January 2025 (TNS) Uzbek Culture Minister Ozodbek Nazarbekov has emphasized that culture and art serve as the foundation of civilization, national identity, and spiritual perfection, as well as significant indicators of a country’s progress.
Highlighting the profound importance of reforms in these areas, he said Uzbekistan is entering a new phase to foster its rich cultural and artistic heritage.
Minister Nazarbekov noted that the development of culture and art reflects the spiritual growth of the people, encompassing their past, present, and future. He stressed the need for approaches that meet the demands of modern times.
He said President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s words serve as a guiding principle for this effort: “In these troubled times, it is increasingly difficult to preserve intrinsic and humanistic values. In such a challenging situation, true art, music, and literature, which originate from sacred sources and celebrate the ideals of humanism, must emerge as a life-affirming force, bringing peace and goodness to people, transcending the boundaries of time and space.”
Minister Nazarbekov said the Uzbek government is prioritizing the preservation of national art, educating the younger generation through its beauty, and strengthening culture as an integral part of social life. He said education in culture and art is seen as pivotal for fostering professional excellence and spiritual harmony in society. He said modern teaching methods are being introduced to familiarize young people with the best achievements of national and global culture, fostering respect for history and traditions. These efforts include implementing credit-modular systems, aligning programs with international standards, and enriching expertise through global collaborations, he added.
Minister Nazarbekov said preserving the rich cultural heritage left by Uzbekistan’s ancestors and passing it on to future generations through modern technologies is another critical area of focus. He said key initiatives include digitizing cultural heritage objects, expanding their scientific study, and enhancing their popularization on an international scale. He also underscored the unique role of Uzbekistan’s national art schools and the traditional ‘Ustoz-Shogird’ (Master-Apprentice) system in ensuring harmony between national traditions and contemporary culture. Comprehensive measures are being taken to support young talent and secure a vibrant future for the arts in the country, he added.
In the context of globalization, where lifestyles and values are converging, Minister Nazarbekov said Uzbekistan intends to preserve its national identity while engaging with the global community. He stressed that culture is not only the spiritual face of a nation but also a valuable gift to the global community. The preservation and promotion of national culture on the world stage, coupled with its popularization through modern technologies, remain top priorities, he added.
Minister Nazarbekov said careful preservation of ancestral heritage and its integration with contemporary ideas is not only essential but a high aspiration for Uzbekistan. He said showcasing the unique features of Uzbek culture on the global stage is regarded as a key criterion for the nation’s progress and a testament to its commitment to spiritual growth, national values, and international cooperation.
