ICESCO highlights cultural unity at Uzbekistan Culture Days in Azerbaijan

The Regional Office of ICESCO in Baku took part in the Uzbekistan Culture Days held in Azerbaijan, describing the events as a “true celebration of cultural unity.”

According to the organization, the festivities highlighted shared historical legacies, recognizable traditional motifs, and the spiritual closeness that has connected the peoples of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan for centuries, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

Maryam Gafarzada, Assistant Director of the ICESCO Baku Regional Office, said that the event was a “festival of culture, music, and diversity.” She emphasized the deep historical, cultural, and spiritual ties between the two countries. “Uzbekistan is our fraternal, neighboring country. Common traditions, language, religion, and history form a rich heritage that brings our peoples closer together. Therefore, it is particularly gratifying for us to participate in such gatherings,” she said.

Gafarzada noted that Uzbekistan Culture Days in Azerbaijan serve as another affirmation of the strong bonds between the two nations and demonstrate the genuine interest that Uzbek culture generates among Azerbaijan’s creative intelligentsia, students, scholars, and the wider public.

She further highlighted the growing importance of fostering unity within the Turkic world. “We are united by a shared history, common culture, and distinctive identity, as well as a wealth of diverse traditions. The Regional Office of ICESCO in Baku works with five countries — Azerbaijan and the Central Asian states of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. It is both an honor and a source of pride to witness our countries coming together within the framework of the Turkic and Islamic world,” she said.

Gafarzada also drew attention to Samarkand’s designation this year as the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World, describing it as a decision of special significance. “The city’s rich heritage, history, architecture, and distinctive character, along with its association with eminent thinkers and scholars, deserve to be showcased on a global stage. As a Regional Office, we actively work to promote this cultural heritage and the legacies of outstanding figures such as Abu Ali Ibn Sina, Al-Khwarizmi, Imam al-Bukhari, and others,” she added.

Opened on December 14, the Uzbekistan Culture Days in Azerbaijan aim to strengthen friendship, develop humanitarian cooperation, and expand cultural dialogue. The event will continue until December 20.

The closing ceremony will take place at the Mirzo Ulugbek secondary school in Fuzuli, built by Uzbekistan in 2023.

A cultural program for the Uzbek delegation is also planned in Baku.

This follows the Days of Uzbek Culture in Baku in 2023 and Days of Azerbaijani Culture in Tashkent in 2024.

By Vafa Guliyeva