In the transmission of folk oral creativity—especially epics (doston) and lyrical songs (terma) from language to language, heart to heart, people to people, and mouth to mouth, bakhshi (folk storytellers and singers) play a unique and irreplaceable role. It is no coincidence that the term "bakhshi artist" is regarded with such honor.

  We recall the initiative and leadership of our President in reviving the traditions of the art of the bakhshi in new directions, as well as the issuance of a special decree in this regard.

  Continuing in this spirit, the 4th International Bakhshi Art Festival was recently launched at a high level. On this joyous occasion, a congratulatory message from our President was read aloud to the festival participants.

   In Uzbekistan, the preservation, development, and international promotion of national culture, artistic heritage, and folk creativity has become a key priority of state policy. As a result of these important efforts, the President emphasized in his address that bakhshi art is a vivid expression of our people's spiritual world, historical memory, and national identity.

  It is well known that the art of the bakhshi has, for centuries, served as a spiritual bridge linking our people's past and present. This unique art form reflects our nation’s noble aspirations, its struggle for freedom and justice, and its deeply humanistic ideals. In this sense, the work of bakhshi art is not only a valuable treasure of our national culture but also a significant contribution to global human civilization.

The 4th International Bakhshi Art Festival, held in the open-air museum city of ancient Khiva, brought joy and warm impressions to all.

In his message, the President noted:

  "To the esteemed representatives of prestigious international organizations and fraternal countries participating in today’s cultural celebration, to the representatives of folk art from more than forty countries, and to the distinguished cultural and artistic figures, I extend my sincere gratitude, deep respect, and best wishes. The fact that this increasingly prestigious international event is being held this year in the historic land of Khorezm an ancient gem of the East imbues it with special spirit and meaning. This region’s epic storytelling tradition has an ancient and rich history, and it has nourished world-famous classical melodies and songs, such as ‘Lazgi,’ as well as beautiful dances.”

  Our honorable President highly praised the international scale of the festival and emphasized the unique role of such events in strengthening friendship and mutual understanding among nations. According to the President, the art of bakhshi art is a rare spiritual treasure that promotes humanity, tolerance, and peace and its wider promotion on the global stage plays an important role in finding moral solutions to today’s global challenges.

  Preserving and developing bakhshi art traditions, as well as increasing the interest of the younger generation in this art, are among the main objectives.

  The heartfelt congratulations and attention from the Head of State inspired great enthusiasm and motivation among the festival participants and guests.

  The message also acknowledged that Uzbekistan national bakhshi including “Bola Bakhshi” Kurbonnazar Abdullayev, “Kalandar Bakhshi” Rozimboy Normatov, Abdulla Kurbonnazarov, and Yetmishboy Abdullayev have performed legendary epics such as Oshik Garib and Shohsanam, Gorogly, Avazkhon, Alpomish, and Khirmondali in powerful voices and with great talent. These works hold a firm place as immortal jewels in the treasure of our national culture.

 These thoughts expressed in the congratulatory message left no one indifferent:

   "During the festival days, I am confident that you will engage in sincere dialogue with our warm-hearted and hospitable people who deeply love the arts, and you will become familiar with our country’s rich history, culture, and timeless values, as well as the achievements of New Uzbekistan and the ongoing efforts to develop the art of bakhshi art."

   During the event, bakhshi and folk singers from various countries promoted the ideas of friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect through their performances.

   The 4th International Bakhshi Art Festival once again demonstrated that the tradition of bakhshichilik is not only alive but is evolving in harmony with modern times. The President’s message, in turn, became a vivid expression of the high regard and care shown for the unique examples of folk creativity.

   In conclusion, it is worth noting that the tradition of bakhshic art was clearly presented at the festival as a true celebration of unity.

Rakhimboy Jumaniyozov

Professor at "TIIAME" National Research University

Member of the Writers’ and Journalists’ Unions of Uzbekistan