― 27 апреля 2025 г.
Fourth International Bakshy Festival in Khiva
The art of Bakshy which is one of important forms of ancient oral tradition of the Turkic World, was once again introduced to the world at the 4th International Bakshy Festival held in the historic city of Khiva, Uzbekistan. The festival, held between April 26th- 28th, 2025, brought together approximately 200 artists and researchers from more than 40 countries.
The grand opening ceremony of the festival held in a joyful atmosphere on April 26th in Khiva was attended by Uzbekistan's Minister of Culture Ozodbek Nazarbekov, Azerbaijan's Minister of Culture Adil Kerimli, Kyrgyzstan's Deputy Minister of Culture Gulbara Abdykalykova, TURKSOY General Secretary Sultan Raev, TURKPA Secretary General Mehmet Süreyya Er, the President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation Aktoty Raimkulova, the President of the Turkic Academy Şahin Mustafayev, along with numerous ministers of culture and representatives of international organizations, as well as scholars of the Turkic World.
Enthusiastic Opening and International Participation
The festival featured the “2nd Culture Forum of the Turkic World” and the international forum entitled “The Art of Bakshy in New Uzbekistan: Current Research and Perspectives” where many experts presented papers on the past, present, and future of this traditional art of the Turkic World. On April 27th, artists from foreign countries and Uzbekistan showcased their talents in the categories of Epic Performance and Instrumental Performance during the international competition. The winners of the competition, evaluated by a jury consisting of representatives from Uzbekistan, Hungary, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Kuwait, and Mongolia, were awarded a Grand Prix and other prizes worth 7,000 USD in total.
The Future of the art of Bakshy and TURKSOY's Contributions to it
In the statement he delivered after the festival, TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev emphasized that the art of Bakshy has kept alive the common spirit of the Turkic World and the tradition of oral literature for centuries, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in preserving this art and passing it on to future generations. “Bakshy is not just an art; it is the conscience of the people. It is a bridge that connects the past with the future and touches the hearts of people. Preserving this cultural heritage is not only our responsibility but that of the entire Turkic World,” he said.
Mr. Raev also highlighted the significance of the festival: “Today, we are witnessing not just a festival, but a gathering that revives the ancient bonds between our peoples. Bakshy is a voice that resonates in every corner of the Turkic World, and this voice must be heard more strongly across the globe. At TURKSOY, we consider keeping this cultural heritage alive not as a duty, but as a debt of gratitude.”
At the closing ceremony of the festival, awards were presented to prize-winning artists who were thanked for their contributions to the international promotion of the art of Bakshy, a common cultural heritage of the Turkic World.
TURKSOY member countries were strongly represented at the festival which took place with the participation of artists fromvarious countries such as Oman, Brazil, China, India, Iran, Korea, Malaysia, Egypt, France, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
The International Bakshy Festival, which was first organized upon decision of the President of Uzbekistan on November 1st, 2018 and held in the cities of Termez in 2019, Nukus in 2021 and Gulistan in 2023 successfully took place in the city of Hiva this year.
