Khiva Hosts the 4th International Bakhshi Art Festival, Celebrating Uzbek Culture

Khiva, The Gulf Observer: The historic city of Khiva has become the focal point for the celebration and exploration of Bakhshi art, as it hosts the 4th International Bakhshi Art Festival. This prestigious event, held from April 27-29, features the Second Turkic World Culture Forum and an international scientific and practical conference titled “Art of Bakhshi in New Uzbekistan: Contemporary Research and Prospects.”

The festival, attended by cultural leaders and scholars from around the globe, has gathered high-ranking officials including Sultan Raev, Secretary General of TURKSOY, Aktoty Raimkulova, President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, and Adil Karimli, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, among others. The event is also notable for the participation of folklorists, academics, and scholars dedicated to the study of Bakhshi art and oral folk traditions.

The art of Bakhshi, an ancient form of folk art, has been an enduring expression of national identity, embodying the cultural history and values of the people through Dastans, epics, and other oral traditions. As an invaluable cultural heritage, Bakhshi art has been celebrated for its role in preserving and fostering the nation’s unique traditions.

Adil Karimli, Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan, emphasized the festival’s role in promoting Bakhshi art on an international stage. “This festival, held since 2019, aims to develop and widely promote Uzbek national Bakhshi art, while fostering respect and nurturing a sense of appreciation for this art form in younger generations. It also strengthens ties between cultures, nations, and creative collaborations across the globe,” Karimli said. This year’s festival brought together nearly 200 participants from over 40 countries.

Sultan Raev, Secretary General of TURKSOY, highlighted the cultural renaissance underway in Uzbekistan. “In recent years, under the leadership of the President, Uzbekistan has seen a cultural Renaissance, particularly in areas such as Bakhshi, Maqom, and Lazgi arts. Uzbekistan has become a cultural hub, fostering international cooperation and contributing significantly to global cultural exchange.”

The festival culminated in the adoption of an important resolution on the future prospects of Bakhshi art, setting the stage for its continued development and global recognition. The event in Khiva serves as a cultural milestone, reflecting the growing influence of Uzbekistan’s rich cultural heritage on the international stage.