An exhibition showcasing the traditional culture of Uzbekistan opened its doors this weekend at Katara and will run until June 16. This is Qatar’s first ever celebration of the timeless and diverse Uzbek culture.
A joint project of Katara and the Forum of Culture and Arts of the Uzbekistan Foundation, it features four distinct sections that include the presentation of a new book on eastern calligraphy, an exhibition of classic and modern Uzbek art and rarities, and a display of the traditions and heritage of Uzbekistan.
At the inaugural event, Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, Director General of Katara, stressed the importance of such events in promoting understanding between cultures, bringing people closer and sharing knowledge.
Dr Sulaiti said: “We were keen to host an art exhibition of traditional and contemporary art in Uzbekistan on the basis of our belief that culture is based on openness, exchange and interaction with other cultures, and an expression of our firm conviction that culture has a significant role in enhancing communication between different peoples.”
He said the exhibition aimed to highlight the definition of folklore in Uzbek civilization and to promote rapprochement between peoples and blending of different cultures, providing an environment of constructive interaction between the cultures of the world.
He added that the exhibition would contribute to building bridges of communication between Uzbekistan and its people and the various Arab and foreign communities in Qatar.
Dr Sulaiti noted the role of Uzbek culture in enriching Islamic heritage, saying that the exhibition was a rare opportunity to see the diverse culture and rich heritage of the people of Uzbekistan, especially since that country is considered the home of Muslim scholars and the birthplace of poets, philosophers and leaders.
He said several persons prominent in various fields had emerged from this country and enriched Islamic heritage and contributed to the development of Islamic civilization, while building bridges between Asia and the Islamic world.
On his part, Dr Khakimov, in his speech, talked about the efforts made by Katara to host the exhibition in Doha. He also noted the role played by Uzbek culture in enriching Islamic culture.He said: “The exhibition of traditional and contemporary art in Uzbekistan, which is embraced by Katara in cooperation with the Forum of Culture and Arts of Uzbekistan, provides a valuable opportunity to inform the public on the models of the culture of Uzbekistan that have had a major role in enriching the Islamic culture.”
The centerpiece of the show is ‘Samples from the Eastern Art of Calligraphy and Miniature’, an album published by Fund Forum in 2009. The work catalogues rare samples of oriental calligraphy and miniature art. The publication includes materials from the private collection of Abdulgofur Razzoq Bukhari, the author of the book, a calligrapher and a teacher at Mir Arab Madrasa.
The album consists of nine chapters that highlight various calligraphy and miniature art schools, oriental poetry, works by Uzbek naqqosh artists, as well as miniature art and inscriptions featured on Uzbekistan’s architectural landmarks and works of art. Of special interest are samples of artistic Quran designs. The diversity of ornamental techniques and calligraphic styles is united by an inner sense of beauty and spirituality.
The first section of the Uzbek exhibition highlights miniature art as well as creations by contemporary Uzbek miniature artists. This section includes over 30 manuscripts.
The rarities section offers rare historical costumes, including men’s and women’s robes from various historical periods in several Uzbek regions. The exhibits are on loan from the State Museum of Art of Uzbekistan, Savitsky Art Museum in Nukus, Bukhara Architecture and Arts Museum Reserve, and the Fund Forum collection.
The traditional culture section presents around 80 original handmade pieces that reflect the country’s unique applied art. This includes woodcarving, stamping, embroidery, golden embroidery, lacquer painting and ceramics. What makes the exhibition special is that contemporary creations by craftsmen show the distinctive Uzbek tradition of artistic skills being passed down the generations.
The fourth section displays over 30 paintings by contemporary, classical and young artists. This part of the exhibition enables visitors to view pieces created in various styles and genres of Uzbek fine art. The works on display are by artists such as Chingiz Akhmarov, Usto Mumin, Rakhim Akhmedov, Ruzi Choriev, Akmal Nur, Dilorom Mamedova and Jamol Usmonov, among others.
Uzbekistan is located in the heart of Central Asia, bordering Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan, with an area of more than 447 thousand square kilometres. It has a population of over 27.5 million people, 63 percent of whom live in rural areas. Uzbekistan ranks third in terms of population among the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States, and is ranked first among the countries of Central Asia. Approximately 80 percent of the population is Muslim, nine percent is Christian Orthodox and three percent is Jewish, Catholic, Protestant, Buddhist or of other faiths.
