The XIII International Festival "Sharq Taronalari" ("Melodies of the East") officially opened in Samarkand on August 26. This is one of the largest festivals in Central Asia, held under the auspices of UNESCO, and it has gathered participants from more than 70 countries around the world.

The opening ceremony was attended by honorary guests from UNESCO, TURKSOY, Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and other organizations.

Welcoming the guests, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that the "Sharq Taronalari" festival has become a true symbol of the melodies of the world. In this regard, an initiative was announced to create an International Club of Friends of the Festival.

Our country is represented at the festival by teachers from the Turkmen National Conservatory named after M. Kulieva: Saparmyrat Amanmyradov (gijak); Omar Igamov, Honored Artist of Turkmenistan and conductor of the orchestra of folk musical instruments; Allamyrat Mukhammetgulyyev (gargy tuiduk), a fourth-year student of the TNC.

The rich program of the musical forum includes performances by artists at various venues in Samarkand and a conference on the theme "Musical Culture of the Peoples of the East: Principles of Creative Harmonization in the Processes of Globalization."

Furthermore, a competition has been organized, covering two areas: the professional (classical) direction of folk music and song, as well as the music and song direction based on the works of contemporary composers.

The main goal of the festival is to showcase the achievements of national musical art, preserve and develop the culture and traditions of peoples. It also aims to support talented youth in music and singing, expand international creative connections, and promote ideas of peace, friendship and mutual understanding.

The International Festival "Sharq Taronalari" will conclude on August 30. The final chord of the event will be a gala concert and the awards ceremony for the winners.