Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- A series of events about Uzbekistan were held in Monterey, California, on 3 December. Monterey Institute of International Studies (MIIS) hosted a workshop, a cultural presentation and a reception during which the attendees could sample Uzbek national meal pilaf. Organized by the Fund Forum and the Permanent Mission of Uzbekistan to the UN, the event was attended by around 100 people, including MIIS staff, students, scholars as well as members of Monterey City Council.

The workshop focusing on Uzbekistan’s contemporary development was organized for young specialists studying international relations and provided information about Uzbekistan’s role in maintaining security and stability in Central Asia as well as the country’s achievements over independence years. The information provided piqued the participants’ interest, which was seen in the many questions they asked toward the end of the event.

The workshop was given the goal of providing detailed information about Uzbekistan’s unique cultural legacy and modern trends in Uzbek arts. Several video were shown during the presentation about Uzbekistan’s contribution to world civilization as well as its ancient cities and architectural monuments. Those gathered also had the opportunity to watch a film about the Fund Forum’s broad activities, its major projects and initiatives to support culture and art, children’s artistic endeavors, talented youngsters, education, sports, science and charity. They also showed a keen interest in the Foundation’s activities in promoting Uzbek culture and art abroad.

“I have been to Uzbekistan three times and visited ancient cities Samarkand and Bukhara, which made a lasting impression on me,” said William Potter, director of the Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS) at MIIS. “There is something mystical and extraordinary about these cities. I think people who have gathered here should visit these historical places so they could get first-hand experience of this country. It boasts a rich and vibrant history and visiting it will make for unforgettable experience. This sort of events is a good opportunity to learn more about what is happening in other countries of the world.”

The participants were also provided with Fund Forum magazines and brochures about student initiatives, fashion and design, applied art, youth tourism, etc.

“I’ve heard a lot about sunny Uzbekistan and I know that people there are very hospitable and have a rich culture,” says Margarita Zolotova, a student at MIIS. “But today I discovered the Fund Forum, whose activities deserve deep respect and attention. I think the Uzbek people are lucky to have an organization like the Fund Forum because it works to preserve national legacy and to promote contemporary art.”

At the end of the event Monterey Institute was presented with the book “Tashkent – the History of One City”, published by the Fund Forum in collaboration with UNESCO in celebration of Tashkent’s 2200th anniversary.

“I lived and worked in your country in 1992-1993,” says Kenley Butler, Assistant Director of Administration MIIS, “and I traveled to Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Shakhrisabz during that time. I believe that Uzbekistan is one of the few countries that are home to places that look the same as they did 300-400 years ago. I was impressed by Ichan-Qala in Khiva and Kokhna-Art in Bukhara. Visiting these cities like travelling into the past and that is amazing experience.”

The reception offered an informal atmosphere where the guests of the event had the opportunity to converse and discuss their impressions of what they had seen and learned. The guests particularly enjoyed the oriental hospitality show along with a table with meals decorated with Uzbek traditional fabrics. Most importantly, each guest had the opportunity to sample pilaf, Uzbeks’ primary culinary delights, with many saying they would remember the cultural event in years to come.

“One of this event’s most memorable parts is the video about the Fund Forum,” says Li Chang, a student at MIIS. “It was very dynamic and interesting, and it becomes obvious that the organization runs a large number of useful projects. I am interested in fashion and I was particularly happy to learn about annual Art Week. And I would love to attend it.”