At the III International Maqom Art Conference, the Grand Prix was won by a representative of Uzbekistan.
The III International Maqom Art Conference, held under the auspices of UNESCO and ISESCO in the city of Namangan, has successfully concluded.
From June 23 to 26, 2026, the III International Maqom Art Conference was organized at a high level and successfully concluded in Namangan city, Namangan region, under the auspices of UNESCO and ICESCO. A correspondent from Zamon.uz reported this.
The conference, held for the third time in Uzbekistan, was attended by leaders of UNESCO, ICESCO, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Organization of Turkic States, TURKSOY, the Turkic Parliamentary Assembly, the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, and other international bodies, as well as ministers of culture from foreign countries, ambassadors, and about 250 representatives of culture and art from over 80 countries.
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev attended the grand opening ceremony of the III International Maqom Art Conference. The head of state warmly congratulated the conference participants and guests, and in his speech, he specifically highlighted the incomparable role of maqom art in humanity's cultural heritage, its significance in the spiritual life of our people, and the extensive reforms being implemented in our country to preserve national music traditions, study them on a scientific basis, and pass them on to future generations.
After the opening ceremony, the President watched the conference's grand gala concert program. The concert featured brilliant performances by renowned maqom performers, folklore and ethno-groups, national orchestras, and masters of art from Uzbekistan and foreign countries.
Additionally, a number of scientific-practical and cultural events were successfully held within the framework of the conference. In particular, an international scientific conference on the topic "New Trends in Eastern Maqom: The Connection Between Tradition and Innovation" was organized.
Scientists, musicologists, art historians, and researchers from Uzbekistan and foreign countries participated with presentations on the current stages of development of Eastern maqom art, its modern interpretations, scientific research, innovative approaches, and issues of international cooperation. At the conclusion of the conference, recommendations were developed aimed at preserving maqom art and promoting it more widely on an international scale.
At the same time, a republican scientific-practical conference with the participation of young scientists was organized on the topic "Traditions of Eastern Maqom and Youth: Heritage, Education, and Future Prospects." Presentations were heard and extensive discussions were held on the scientific study of maqom art, its development in the education system, educating the younger generation in the spirit of national musical heritage, and the prospects and modern development directions of maqom schools.
Representatives from 18 countries participated in the international competition held within the framework of the conference. Famous creative groups and solo performers from Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, India, the Netherlands, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Syria, Georgia, Korea, Japan, Turkmenistan, China, Armenia, Iran, Mongolia, and Uzbekistan showcased their art.
The performances of the competition participants were evaluated by an international jury consisting of representatives from Azerbaijan, France, Turkey, Serbia, Kuwait, Canada, and Uzbekistan.
On June 26, the grand awards and closing ceremony of the III International Maqom Art Conference took place. The winners of the competition were awarded diplomas, statuettes, and cash prizes.
Including:
Awarded 3rd place:
- The "Yangi O'zbekiston" maqom ensemble of Uzbekistan (Yunus Rajabiy, Khorezm, and the Republic of Karakalpakstan maqom ensembles) — $2,500 USD;
- The State "Shashmaqom" ensemble of Tajikistan named after Fazliddin Shahobov — $2,500 USD;
- The "Classical Trio of Turkmen Traditional Folk Music" of Turkmenistan — $2,500 USD;
- The master's vocal ensemble of the Yunus Rajabiy Institute of Uzbek National Music Art of the Republic of Uzbekistan — $2,500 USD.
Awarded 2nd place:
- The "Qaghan" ethno-folklore ensemble of Kazakhstan — $3,500 USD;
- Georgian Ashik Nargile and the "Ilaloni" ensemble — $3,500 USD;
- Turkish Asude Çelebioğlu and Gerçek İsmail Hakkı — $3,500 USD;
- Japan's Shimonoto Ayumi, the "Koto no Kai" ensemble, and the CSPC-JAPAN team — $3,500 USD.
Awarded 1st place:
- The National Instruments Ensemble of the State Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan — $5,000 USD;
- Azerbaijani Kamila Nabiyeva and the Mugham ensemble — $5,000 USD;
- Azerbaijani Nuraddin Tagiyev and Teymur Jabrailov — $5,000 USD;
- The "Syerendavaa Sogtgerel" group from Mongolia — $5,000 USD.
The highest award of the competition — the Grand Prix was awarded to Orif Ergashev, a representative of Uzbekistan. The winner was awarded $15,000 USD.
Furthermore, within the framework of the conference, in order to support and encourage active performers, participants were awarded incentive gifts and prizes in categories such as "Best Maqom Singer," "Best Maqom Instrumentalist," "Best Maqom Teacher," "Best Maqom Promoter," "Best Young Maqomchi," and "Best Maqom Composer." Each participant of the conference was presented with a "Participant of the International Maqom Art Conference" certificate.
We remind you that the I International Maqom Art Conference was successfully held in 2018 in the city of Shakhrisabz, and the II International Maqom Art Conference was successfully held in 2024 in the Zomin district of Jizzakh region. The third conference, held in Namangan, once again demonstrated the consistent continuation of this prestigious international cultural project.
