Uzbek culture presented in Dubai

April 2, 2012

A unique exhibition showcasing oriental calligraphy, miniature and the traditional art of Uzbekistan has been put together for the first time in Dubai, UAE, by the Fund Forum and Dubai Culture & Arts Authority. On display are manuscripts, rare museum exhibits and traditional applied art items representing Uzbekistan’s cultural and historical legacy.

The opening ceremony for the major exhibition was held at Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation and was attended by members of the business community, officials, culture and art experts and collectors. The event was inaugurated by the Prince of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the Chairperson of the Fund Forum Board of Trustees, Professor Gulnara Karimova.

The exhibition consists of three sections that represent ancient manuscripts on loan from Uzbekistan’s Institute for Oriental Studies, Uzbekistan Muslim Board and private collections, rare museum exhibits as well as creations by contemporary masters from all parts of Uzbekistan. Many of the exhibits have been showcased outside the country for the first time.

Of special interest is the fundamental work “Samples from Eastern Calligraphy and Miniature Art” published by the Fund Forum. The book encompasses various categories of calligraphy, oriental poetry as well as artistic Koran design. Equally interesting are the samples of book miniature featured in the publication.

The copy of Osman’s Koran, on display in Dubai for the first time, is the centerpiece of the exhibition organized by the Fund Forum and Dubai Culture & Art Authority. It is believed that there are four copies of the Koran in the world, written on deerskin at the order of Caliph Osman and sent off to the four parts of the world.

“It is fantastic to see such a broad display of Uzbekistan’s culture in the Middle East, especially in Dubai,” says Guy Vesey, Christie’s auction house. “There is a strong synergy, many similarities between the two cultures. I am looking forward to traveling to Uzbekistan and experiencing all this diversity of national culture myself. On behalf of Christie’s I want to say that we enjoy our cooperation with the Fund Forum. It opens new opportunities for us in the region. I am glad to be a part of this exciting joint project and I believe we will have many ways to collaborate in the future.”

The Rarities section presented rare historical costumes, including a magnificent robe of a Bukharian Emir and men’s and women’s robes from various historical periods, each of which carries silent legends of days gone by.

Uzbekistan’s traditional culture is represented by original handmade pieces that reflect the country’s unique applied art. These include wood carving, stamping, embroidery, gold embroidery, lacquer painting and ceramic items from Tashkent museums, the Fund Forum’s collection and private collections. What makes this exhibition special is that the contemporary creations by masters and crafts dynasties reflect a distinctive Uzbek tradition of intergenerational succession and careful preservation of the legacy.

The opening ceremony also included a music program featuring performers from Uzbekistan. A group of Yangi avlod festival winners performed on the stage along with professional Uzbek masters such as Abduhoshim Ismoilov and Ofarin dance group.

“I was very impressed by traditional Uzbek music and young talents playing together with masters,” Ayesha Abdul Rahman, the chairperson of the Business Women Council in Dubai. “It reminds us of our old days when I was young. Now there is too much of modernity. That is why it is so important to appreciate traditions. As both our nations are Muslim, we have similar cultures, we share same values, and this is what unites us.”

The guests had the opportunity to delve into undisclosed facets of Islamic art and view rare exhibits, each telling a story of spiritual legacy, ancient rulers’ lifestyles and the art of leading masters and performers in Uzbekistan.

Khalil Abdulwahid, Visual Arts Manager

- “I’ve been to Uzbekistan and visited all the main cities: Tashkent, Samarqand and Bukhara. It is a beautiful country. Today I discovered that Uzbekistan has its own Art Week and I am very interested to participate in it. The Fund Forum’s activities are very impressive, more than 400 events per year is quite a busy time. I am glad that we can now learn more about your country in Dubai through wonderful exhibitions and events like this.”

The Arab media providing a broad coverage of the art show have described it as “a window into the national culture and art of the entire region”.