The songs about peace and friendship, trust and love could be heard also at Mujiza theater, at Yoshlik and Sogdiana parks, as well as in Urgut, Samarkand, Taylak, Akdarya, Payarik and Jambay districts.

The closing of the festival started at 7 pm on 29 August at Registan square. The forum participants highly evaluated the organization of the event and thanked the organizers for the wonderful holiday.

Apart from demonstrating their music and dance, the representatives of various countries also got acquainted with the sites of Samarkand and the work to preserve the cultural heritage.

The Grand prize of the Sharq Taronalari went to the soloist Lale Begnazarova and the fold instruments ensemble from Turkmenistan.

The first place was awarded to Matluba Dadabayeva and the folk instruments ensemble from Uzbekistan, as well as artists from Azerbaijan.

The second place went to Levi Shemptov from Israel and artists from South Korea.

The third place was won by Laura Mollica from Italy and Kuwaiti performers.

“Uzbekistan and Samarkand left an unforgettable impression on me,” Grand prize winner Begnazarova said. “Each day was filled with bright events and impressions.”

“Your people’s aspiration to preserve and promote the national cultural heritage deserves admiration. This is a demonstration of the high respect for the history.”

Vice Prime minister Rustam Kasymov and hokim of Samarkand region Uktam Barnoyev participated in the closing ceremony.