Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 27 June, the II International Forum of Maqom Art was inaugurated in Zaamin district of Jizzakh region.

The first forum, organized at the initiative of the President, took place in 2018 in Shakhrisabz. Due to the pandemic, the forum was postponed, but this year it resumed with renewed spirit and enthusiasm.

At the opening ceremony, the President made a speech emphasizing the importance of maqom.

– Maqom art, reflecting our ancient history and rich culture, with its deep philosophy and unique artistic techniques, occupies an important place in our spiritual life. Makom glorifies universal human values,” noted Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Maqom developed in the Muslim East, reaching its peak during the First and Second Renaissance. Abu Nasr Farabi, in his “Big Book of Music,” explored the theory and practice of music. Great scholars such as Abu Rayhan Beruni, Ibn Sino, Alisher Navoi and Zakhiriddin Muhammad Babur created unique musical works, contributing to the development of maqom.

In the 20th century, the traditions of maqom were continued by art scholars such as Abdurauf Fitrat and Yunus Rajabi, as well as singers Khozhikhon Boltaev, Komiljon Otaniyazov, Turgun Alimatov and Fattokhkhon Mamadaliev.

The President noted Sharaf Rashidov’s contribution to the preservation of maqom. The scientific study and promotion of maqom began at the Tashkent State Conservatory. A maqom ensemble was created, and the Shashmakom masterpieces were recorded and published in six volumes.

Our maqoms, included in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, continue to be studied throughout the republic, from primary to academic levels of education. A maqom center is being built in Tashkent, and national competitions are being held to support composers and musicians.

The President expressed gratitude to the artists who dedicated their lives to this art.

– The forum is a holiday for people who love art. May maqom always inspire art lovers all over the world! - he said.

The President of the 42nd Session of the General Conference of UNESCO, Simone Miculescu, and the Director General of ICESCO, Salim Muhammad Al-Malik, also spoke at the ceremony, welcoming the participants and guests.

Among those present were Secretary General of TURKSOY Sulton Raev, President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation Aktot Raimkulova, Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States Mehmet Sureyya Er, Deputy Secretary General of the CIS Nurlan Seitimov, Chief Advisor to the President of Turkey Yalcin Topcu, Advisor to the President of Kazakhstan Malik Otarbayev, Assistant to the President Tajikistan Abdullo Rakhmonzoda, Minister of Culture of Kyrgyzstan Altynbek Maksutov and Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan Adil Gabil oglu Karimli.

About 400 guests from more than 80 countries take part in the festival.

There was a concert with classical songs and dances.

The Zaaminsai complex is festively decorated; exhibitions demonstrating the culture and applied arts of our people are organized on a vast area.

The forum will last until 30 June, and upon its completion the winners in the categories “Best Maqom Ensemble”, “Best Soloist-Instrumentalist” and “Best Soloist-Vocalist” will be announced. There will also be a conference and round tables on maqom.