Impressive opening ceremony for the Fourth International Theatre Festival of TURKSOY in Andijan
The Fourth International Theatre Festival of TURKSOY began in Andijan, the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World 2026. The opening ceremony held on October 19th, 2026 began with a red carpet procession featuring delegations from participating countries and artists.
The ceremony held in Andijan which is one of the key junctions of the historic Silk Road was attended by TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev, the First Deputy Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan Mr. Nodirbek Sayfullayev and the Deputy Governor of Andijan Mr. Rustamjon Egamberdiyev along with many theatre artists from Turkic Republics.
Secretary General Raev: “We are gathering around the unifying power of theatre”
Speaking at the opening of the ceremony, TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev emphasised that Andijan, situated at the heart of the Fergana Valley, serves as a historic and spiritual crossroads linking Turkic peoples to one another. Recalling that Andijan is also the homeland of the great statesman Babur and the renowned poet Cholpan, Secretary General Raev stated that: “As we are gathering around the unifying power of the theatre arts on this land enriched by Babur’s history and literature, and by Çolpan’s poetry and ideals of freedom, I hope that the festival will make valuable contributions to cultural solidarity within the Turkic World and to the enrichment of our shared artistic heritage.”
Deputy Minister Sayfullayev highlighted the “Festival of Friendship and Art”
In the speech he delivered, Mr. Nodirbek Sayfullayev, the First Deputy Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan, greeted the participants and expressed his pleasure as to the fact that the fourth edition of the festival is being held in Andijan. Deputy Minister Sayfullayev who also noted that the President of Uzbekistan attaches great importance to culture and art, particularly theatre stated that: “In recent years, two new theatres, more than 20 cultural centres and 16 museums have been established in our country. Today, more than 40 state theatres are in operation. The festival’s primary aim is to further strengthen the ancestral bonds of friendship and brotherhood among Turkic peoples through the art of theatre. We take great pride in welcoming you to this festival of friendship and art.”
Deputy Governor Egamberdiyev: “You are strong ambassadors of our bonds”
The Deputy Governor of Andijan, Mr. Rustamjon Egamberdiyev who also took the floor at the event, expressed the city’s pride in hosting the Turkic World and said: “It is a great honour for us to welcome highly esteemed artists from our sister nations here in Andijan, the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World 2026. Every artist walking the red carpet is an ambassador of the unshakeable bonds between our nations. I believe that this festival we are hosting, will stand as a powerful demonstration of the strength of our shared civilisation, our historical roots and our unshakeable brotherhood to the whole world.”
Opening Performance: “Babur: Longing”
The opening speeches were followed by the performance of the play “Babur: Longing” by the host of the festival, the Andijan Theatre. Written by the playwright Usmon Azim, this historical drama explores the boundless love for his homeland felt by Zahirüddin Muhammad Babur, the great son of the Uzbek people, ruler and poet.
The play, in which Zafarbek Sayburhanov performed the role of Babur, deals with Babur’s humanitarian virtues such as his indulgence towards Melike Baydu, the mother of his enemy Ibrahim Ludi, and his sacrifice of his own life for the sake of his heir, Humayun Mirza, when the latter fell ill. The performance received standing ovations from the audience.
Medya Galerisi
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