Uzbekistan, France to mark 20th anniversary of archaeological cooperation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Embassy of France in Uzbekistan will organized an exhibition devoted to archaeological cooperation between Uzbekistan and France. The event is dedicated to the 25th anniversary of archaeological cooperation between two nations. Uzbekistan and France started archeological excavations at a considerable settlement of Afrasiab (ancient Samarkand) in 1989 and the cooperation developed further after Uzbekistan gained independence.

The countries carried out archeological excavations at Sogdiana, Northern Bactria, Bukhara oasis, and others. The mission were conducted under aegis of Archeology Institute of Uzbekistan Art Academy and financed fully or partially by the French side.

Results of the French-Uzbek archeological missions are published at international magazines and in form of monographs. The artifacts, found at the excavations, were restored and are stored at the Archeology Institute.

In 2012-2013, Uzbekistan and France have been cooperating to restore Ak Saray Palace (Amir Temur Palace) in Shahrisabz.

The French Embassy in Uzbekistan decided to organize the exhibition to familiarize the public with the results of the 25 years of cooperation in archeology. The exhibition presented in cooperation with Afrasiab Museum and Archeology Institute. It was supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan and Ministry of Culture and Sport Affairs of Uzbekistan.

Afrasiab Museum will host the exhibition for a month after that it will be presented in Bukhara, Termez and Tashkent.