Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) - At the initiative of President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, for the first time the folklore music festival “The Great Silk Road” takes place in Margilan from 11 to 13 July, which has been granted International status.

The event is attended by national folklore groups from 20 countries, such as Iran, India, France, Russia, South Korea, Japan, Mongolia, Turkey, etc.

“At the international scientific and creative conference organized during the festival, such large representatives of the art of folk music, like Lucelli Lisak from France, Kalami Roohulla from Iran, Yashwant Parashar from India, Iwamoto Kyoko from Japan, Mun Hyun Suk from Korea and Erasmo Treglia from Italy attended. Representatives of folklore groups from Afghanistan, Russia, Turkey, Korea, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan are also present here. I am convinced that the opinions expressed during the discussions will serve to preserve and develop the harmony of national cultures,”said Deputy Prime Minister Aziz Abdukhakimov.

In addition to foreign groups, with special programs prepared on the basis of specific local costumes and ancient songs and melodies, 14 folk folklore ensembles from Uzbekistan take part in the festival.

“President Shavkat Mirziyoyev launched five important initiatives based on the new system of social, spiritual and educational work. First of all, it is aimed at increasing the interest of young people in music, art, literature, theater and other types of art, as well as at revealing their talent. The main goal is to attract at least 20% of our young people to culture and art,” Abdukhakimov said.

It should be noted that competitions at the music and folk festival “The Great Silk Road” are held in the following nominations: song art (alla (lullabies), ulan, lapar, terma, ceremonial songs, halfa songs, bakhshi, etc.); dance art (folk dances specific to different regions); National ancient folklore performing art (performance of works on national musical instruments).

The performances of the participants will be evaluated by members of the international jury, consisting of highly qualified specialists, famous art and culture figures, scientists, researchers, as well as representatives of the relevant fields from the participating countries.

The festival winners will be awarded with cash prizes: 1st place (in each nomination) - 3 500 US dollars; 2-place (in each nomination) - 2 500 US dollars; 3rd place (in each nomination) - 1 500 US dollars.