Young generation may not be accustomed to their traditions and growing up experiencing cultural practices may not be so common anymore these days. Various ways have been introduced to increase awareness to the heritage of each country and one of them is through Sharq Taronalari – an International Music Festival held every two years in one of the most ancient cities of the world, Samarkand.
Located on the crossroad of the great Silk Road, Samarkand is nicknamed as “Pearl of The East”; a gem of a country rich with culture and art, Uzbekistan. It houses ancient buildings and important historical monuments with unique architecture which impress more and more people each year, and it is a birthplace to world-renowned artists, scholars, musicians and poets. The Registan Square, which is a site of the ancient settlement of Samarkand, used to be the main meeting place for trade and craft activities back in the time of Amir Temur. It is surrounded by Madrassahs or educational institution where clergymen, statesmen and scientists were trained. After several construction works to preserve this place, today it is a centre of economic, political and cultural life of the city.
The Registan Square in Samarkand fits the whole idea of Sharq Taronalari which literally means “Melodies of the Orient” to become an assembly point for the countries in the world to share their national heritage through musical performances.
The fact that Sharq Taronalari is held in the historical city Samarkand has a deep meaning. The city has shown proofs of ancient civilization, and art and music had developed here since centuries ago. For example, a musical instrument known as nai was found in Muminobod village of Urgut district and identified to be 3,300 years old. The rock carvings in Afrasiab also depict singers and musicians that were living in Samarkand.
Organized under the patronage of UNESCO, a huge open-air stage is erected at the Registan Square which is decorated with a beautiful and breathtaking view of the ancient Madrassahs in the background and surrounding magnificent monuments of the medieval Uzbekistan, welcoming talented creative teams from all over the world. Colourful lights are lit up and fantastic fireworks fill up Samarkand evening sky. Since this cultural event usually lasts up to five days, visitors who come for the first time have ample time to become acquainted with this ancient city.
This becomes the reason why Sharq Taronalari is one of the biggest festivals in Central Asia. Since 1997 where it started, people from more than fifty countries participate in the shows, bringing up the young generation to love and treasure their traditional music and folklore dances. By joining this cultural event, people from all over the world will unite and share mutual interests in arts while popularizing the heritage of their own countries.
This will further strengthen the bond between participating countries while celebrating the idea of peace and friendship. Each heritage will be understood and accepted rather than forgotten or kept unknown. To make sure the event this year held at its highest level, the Department of Cultural and Sports Affairs in Samarkand organizes a huge preparation work and opens four more parks to provide more seating for the audience and participants.
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