Kazakhstan highlights the Golden Horde; Central Asia's most populous nation, Uzbekistan, emphasizes the Turkic-Mongol empire of the Timurid Dynasty: Celebrating the 690th Anniversary of Timur’s Birth

Editor’s Note: Timur (April 8, 1336 – February 18, 1405), also known as Tamerlane, was a Turko-Mongol military conqueror and the first ruler of the Timurid Dynasty. Born into the Mongol Barlas tribe, he was wounded during an uprising in 1362, which left him with a limp—earning him the nickname "Timur the Lame." Due to his marriage to a princess from the Eastern Chagatai Khanate, he was also referred to as "Prince Consort Timur." Through defeating nations across Central Asia, South Asia, and Western Asia, the territories he conquered are collectively known as the Timurid Empire.

Timur was a Turkified Mongol; skull remains confirm his mixed Turko-Mongol ancestry and he is regarded as a national hero of Uzbekistan. He was fluent in Persian, Chagatai Turkish, and Mongolian.

His son Shah Rukh and grandson Ulugh Beg ruled Central Asia from 1411 to 1449, transforming it into a center of Islamic culture. His great-grandson Babur invaded India and founded the Mughal Empire, which ruled South Asia for nearly four centuries—from 1526 to 1857.

Italian Media: Uzbekistan Re-focuses on Culture

Tashkent plans to raise the share of the "creative economy" in its domestic GDP to 5% by 2030. In recent years, Uzbekistan has built two new theaters, 19 cultural centers, 16 museums, 20 music and art academies, and five universities specializing in related fields. President Mirziyoyev aims to revive Uzbekistan’s former glory while also showcasing the country’s new image.

Tashkent (Asia News) – On the occasion of Creative Careers Day, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan extended congratulations to professionals in the arts and culture sectors. He stated, "Art and culture are tools for shaping the spirit and essential components of the creative economy," emphasizing that "developing cultural diplomacy" is particularly important. Therefore, all practitioners, master artists, and young performers "faithfully serve the people through their unique talents, knowledge, and skills."

The president called for strengthening capacity-building to "support the creative industries, expand the market for cultural services, and export achievements in this specific domain."

Uzbekistan aims to increase the share of the creative economy in its domestic GDP to 5% by 2030, with the establishment of dedicated creative industry parks. President Mirziyoyev affirmed: "I believe that with your knowledge, experience, and creative potential, we will be able to elevate our national culture to a new level." He added: "We will continue to prioritize comprehensive support for this sector and ensure due recognition for creative professionals and practitioners."

As highlighted by the president, in recent years, Uzbekistan has constructed two new theaters, 19 cultural centers, 16 museums, 20 music and art schools, and five specialized universities, while also restoring and preserving 125 historical and cultural sites. Last year, the government issued a decree on the development of fine and applied arts. The new building of the State Museum of Uzbekistan broke ground in Tashkent. This year, reconstruction and opening of new spaces are planned for the Central Exhibition Hall, the Art Exhibition Bureau building, and the Republican School of Arts named after Pavel Kuznetsov—the USSR’s greatest painter, who passed away in Samarkand.

Regarding "Uzbek Cultural Diplomacy," the country regularly hosts various forums, competitions, festivals, and cultural days. Last year, UNESCO’s General Conference convened in Samarkand; the inaugural Bukhara International Biennale of Contemporary Art took place in Bukhara; the Aral Cultural Summit was held in Nukus; the Turan Cultural Forum occurred in Khorezm; and the first meeting between Central Asian and Azerbaijani ministers of culture was held in Tashkent. As Mirziyoyev pointed out, "The extent of our participation in international artistic processes is steadily increasing, and our standing in this field is continuously rising. Outstanding Uzbek artists are performing at Europe’s most prestigious cultural venues, drawing widespread international attention."

On the stage of the Salzburg Festival Theatre, the Uzbek National Ballet premiered the ballet Layla and Geyrat: A Dance of Soul and Love. At a concert held in the world-renowned Vienna Musikverein, the company presented a work dedicated to the 690th anniversary of Timur’s (Tamerlane’s) birth. Timur established the greatest Turkic-Mongol empire, whose legacy forms the foundation of the most significant historical narratives of Uzbekistan and the entire Central Asia region.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s ambition lies in reviving Uzbekistan’s past glories while simultaneously presenting a new image of the region’s most populous nation. With a population approaching 40 million, Uzbekistan is committed to positioning itself as a vital bridge connecting Eurasia and East-West in today’s era marked by conflict and uncertainty.

Author: Vladimir Rozanskij

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1866123348414468/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.