“Sharq Taronalari” (Melodies of the Orient) Festival is one of the most significant events not only in Uzbekistan but also in Central Asia and by the existing tradition it is held at the central Samarkand square – Registan.

Registan Square is the part of splendid oriental medieval ensemble in Samarkand. Even in ancient times travelers along the Great Silk Road called this city the Pearl of the Orient for its beauty and magnificence of palace architecture. Being the capital of a huge medieval empire of an outstanding conqueror Tamerlane, Samarkand gathered best minds and talents of that time: scientists, artists, architects, poets. Each of them glorified this legendary oriental city in their own way.

Centuries later Samarkand became the permanent site of the striking and breathtaking musical event “Sharq Taronalari”. Once in two years in the end of the summer, over and over Samarkand invites hundreds of talented singers, dancers and musicians to the striking international festival of musical traditions of nations of the world. This year participants from over 50 countries have performed cultural heritage of their countries at “Sharq Taronalari”.

The eighth festival was held on the huge open-air stage with fantastic lighting and acoustics, which was erected in the center of the historical Registan Square, surrounded by magnificent monuments of oriental medieval architecture.

Organizers did their best: best decorations, interesting exhibitions and conferences timed to the festival and just a great number of participants, foreign guests and media representatives.

For majority of distinguished foreign guests of the festival it was the first visit to Uzbekistan. Therefore an acquaintance with this ancient city with 27 centuries-old history became a pleasant surprise for them. Walking around Samarkand, guests visited the tomb of Tamerlane with nephrite gravestone, which gave birth to countless legends. Also guests visited the fascinating complex Shakh-i-Zinda, where, by a legend, the spirit of a saint still lives in the basement of the complex, prehistoric settlement Afrosiab, mausoleum of St. Daniel, madrassah of Ulugbek, an eminent medieval scientist and patron of art and science and grandson of Tamerlane, Bibi-Khanym Mausoleum and other wonderful architectural monuments of the ancient city.

Various exhibitions of national Uzbek dress, traditional musical instruments, art-bazaar and music conference were also held during the festival. Sharq Taronalari Festival lasted for almost a week and finished with a grandiose gala-concert, which was performed by nominees and winners of the festival.

After stubborn competitive struggle the Grand Prix went to the group of “Park Jong-Wook Park and Zhonguk” (South Korea). First place was divided between “Dunhuang nude vords” (China) and “Aysva” (Lithuania). 2nd place went to “Leader” (Russia), “Sato” (Uzbekistan) and “Ovoi mehriboni” (Iran). “Talilema” (Madagascar), “Chvenburebi” (Georgia) and “Galkinish” (Turkmenistan) won a third place. Special prizes of organizers of the event were awarded to creative teams from Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Mongolia, Japan, and Israel.

Towards the end of the show the bright balloons with the words “Sharq Taronalari” soared to the sky and bright farewell fireworks lit up numerous audience.

We say Good Bye but not farewell, because in two years “Sharq Taronalari” 2013 will show new striking discoveries. Good bye for the next festival! See you again in the ancient city of Samarkand!

Note:

The International Music Festival “Sharq Taronalari” is held biennially under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov and with the assistance of the Ministry of Culture and Sports of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Television and Radio Company of Uzbekistan, Union of Uzbekistan Composers and Samarkand region municipality.

First festival “Sharq Taronalari” was held in 1997. Representatives from 31 countries took part in the event. On the 8th festival in 2011 representatives from more than 50 countries participated. International Music Festival “Sharq Taronalari” is inscribed in the UNESCO international cultural events list.

It should be noted that the initial aim of the festival is the preservation of musical traditions of nations of the world, mutual enrichment of national cultures and friendship of nations. Also this international festival has a great potential for the development of Uzbekistan tourism, popularization of Uzbekistan historical heritage and the formation of bright tourist image of the country. By this time the festival attracts a lot of tourists, who desire to visit this event in 2013.