SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Public access to buildings
1. Republican Scientific Seminar on the Study of Historical and Cultural Heritage
This seminar, organized by the Bukhara State Museum-Reserve and Bukhara State University, involved an educational visit to ancient cities, Vardonze and Varakhsha. These sites, significant cultural and historical heritage monuments, were explored by historians, archaeologists, and restoration specialists to study Bukhara’s historical aspects. The seminar provided public and academic access to these ancient cities, enhancing understanding of Uzbekistan’s historical sites listed in UNESCO and promoting cultural heritage preservation.
2.Visit to Bukhara by Teachers and Students from Tashkent’s Specialized Vocational School for the Disabled
Teachers and students from a specialized vocational school in Tashkent visited Bukhara, guided by Bukhara State University. They explored Bukhara’s historical monuments and sacred sites, giving participants a meaningful cultural experience. This visit illustrates the public access to heritage sites and monuments for educational purposes, supporting inclusivity by providing free access to individuals with disabilities.
3. Mobile Lesson on the Great Silk Road and Global Civilization History
This outdoor lesson on “Bukhara Khanate’s Role in Trade and Service from the 16th to 18th Centuries,” led by Associate Professor J.Y. Ergashev, engaged history students in active learning at significant cultural locations. The Bukhara region governor also attended, discussing historical preservation efforts, and underscoring the significance of making these cultural sites accessible for educational and public engagement.
4. “Marathon of Spirituality” Event at Bukhara State University
During this event, students and faculty visited the “Museum of Repression Victims,” a part of Bukhara State University, where they discussed Uzbek history and heritage. Through such encounters, students gain insight into Uzbekistan’s cultural past, fostering an appreciation for heritage sites that are accessible for public and educational visits.
5. 100th Anniversary of the Republic of Turkey: “Turkic World: Past and Present” Scientific Gathering
Held at Bukhara State University in collaboration with the Uzbekistan Academy of Sciences and other regional institutions, this event celebrated the shared cultural heritage of the Turkic world. Scholars from Turkey and Uzbekistan discussed the protection and development of Turkic heritage, promoting cultural cooperation. By offering free, scholarly access to these discussions, Bukhara State University strengthens public access to heritage knowledge.
Public access to libraries
1. Mission and Tasks of the Modern Library (Using BukhSU’s Information Resource Center as an Example)
This section provides insight into the library’s evolution and current role in society. BukhSU’s Information Resource Center (IRC) fulfils its mission to make resources available to all users, meeting educational and intellectual needs. This aligns with providing public access by offering resources and services that support cultural, intellectual, and informational needs, including both physical and electronic access to books.
2.Press Conference for InnoWeek.uz – 2023
The university’s IRC hosted a press conference for a national innovation week, showing its commitment to public access and engaging the community in cultural and educational activities. By inviting local media, the IRC expands awareness of its resources and services, promoting knowledge sharing and fostering an environment of learning through public events.
3. Tour for Conference Guests to BukhSU IRC
During the conference, BukhSU invited visitors to explore its library, demonstrating its public access and engagement approach by showcasing reading spaces and study facilities. This tour aligns with offering public access in specific circumstances by facilitating university and community partnerships and enhancing the university’s reputation as an educational and cultural resource.
4. Forum for Tourism Education Institutions
The forum’s activities involved showing participants BukhSU’s IRC, emphasizing its accessibility for learning and research. The university demonstrated how it supports public access in some circumstances, encouraging collaboration with other educational institutions and offering resources to improve teaching, tourism, and business skills.
5. Enrichment of IRC’s Russian Literature Collection
To celebrate Teachers’ Day, BukhSU’s IRC received a donation of books from the Russian Cooperation Agency, enhancing its international literature collection. This initiative reflects the goal of automatic free access, expanding resources to support faculty, students, and the public in enriching their cultural and academic knowledge.
6. BukhSU “Parents’ Congress”
BukhSU hosted parents to demonstrate the IRC’s facilities, showing the university’s commitment to accessible educational resources. Access to library resources for informational and educational purposes is extended to family members, fostering a culture of reading and lifelong learning.
7. Interview Process for Distance Learning Applicants
BukhSU’s IRC served as the venue for interviews for distance learning applicants, aligning with access in specific circumstances by using the library for non-traditional educational support. The IRC facilitated these sessions, demonstrating its flexible role in serving different user needs.
“Bukhara Historical Issues: Learning Our Cultural Heritage” Scientific Seminar
A national scientific seminar at Bukhara State Museum-Reserve and Bukhara State University, exploring Bukhara’s history and cultural heritage. This event promoted public engagement with cultural heritage through academic discussion, thus enhancing accessibility to historical knowledge.
“Journey to the Past” Art Exhibition
Hosted by the Faculty of Art Studies at Bukhara State University and featuring calligraphy work by students Nargiza Arabova and Shahrizoda Sayfulloyeva, this creative exhibit allowed the public to view artistic and calligraphic heritage. Presentations by experts in Islamic history and calligraphy enhanced visitor engagement, further aligning with the criterion of increasing access to cultural exhibitions.
Scientific Expedition to Vardonze Historical Site
As part of the “Bukhara Historical Issues” seminar series, a scientific expedition brought historians, archaeologists, and museum representatives to the Vardonze historical monument. The event aimed to deepen understanding of the site’s historical and cultural legacy, fostering broader appreciation and support for historical preservation.
“Ceramic and Metal Artifact Restoration” Workshop for Archaeology Students
In collaboration with the Samarkand Archaeology Institute, this workshop allowed students in archaeology to gain hands-on experience with artifact restoration techniques. By involving future restorers in museum-based practices, the event advanced educational access to cultural preservation skills, contributing to ongoing public engagement with heritage objects.
These events align well with the goal of making cultural heritage more accessible, both in physical exhibition spaces and through educational initiatives, all of which contribute to public access and preservation of cultural heritage.
Arts and Heritage contribution
The Faculty of Art Studies, along with the Music Performance and Culture Department, hosted a “National Maqom Art Festival” in the main hall of Bukhara State University. This festival featured traditional “maqom” music performances by students and faculty, engaging the community and promoting local cultural heritage.
“National Heritage: Our Identity, Our Past, Our Future” Cultural Series
Under the theme “National Heritage,” Bukhara State University held a series of events to promote traditional culture, including a fashion show of national costumes, a culinary competition for traditional dishes, and performances of traditional music and “maqom” singing. This program offered multiple public cultural events, contributing significantly to local arts and heritage appreciation.
Victory in the National “Young Maqom Performers” Contest
Bukhara State University student Asadbek Haydarov won first place in the “Young Maqom Performers” national competition, singing traditional pieces. His participation and success brought recognition to Bukhara’s traditional arts on a larger public platform, thus furthering the university’s contribution to the cultural arts.
“Jayhun Melodies” Concert Program
A concert program titled “Jayhun Melodies” was organized under the leadership of Professor Bahram Madrimov, featuring talented students and professors from the Faculty of Art Studies. The program included a range of traditional songs, “maqom,” and contemporary music styles, creating a vibrant public cultural experience and contributing to the local arts scene.
Deliver projects to record and preserve intangible cultural heritage such as local folklore, traditions, language, and knowledge. This can include the heritage of displaced communities.
Celebration of Uzbekistan’s Constitution Day
In celebration of the 32nd anniversary of Uzbekistan’s Constitution, Bukhara State University organized a cultural event under the theme “My Constitution, My Dignity.” Students from the Faculty of History and Law presented various performances, including traditional songs, dances, and dramatic presentations that highlighted the values and constitutional rights that shape Uzbek society. This celebration helped to reinforce the community’s appreciation of national heritage and civic pride.
“Khan Atlas” Cultural Festival
The “Khan Atlas” festival, held in the main hall of Bukhara State University, focused on showcasing traditional Uzbek attire made from Atlas and Adras fabrics. Female university staff, professors, and students wore these garments, embodying the nation’s cultural heritage. The festival included traditional music and dance, fostering respect for national customs and helping preserve these cultural elements in the modern community.
“My Student Years” Talent Competition
Supported by the regional youth organization’s newspaper, Buxoro Yoshlari, this competition focused on promoting human rights awareness and social partnership. Participants from various universities, including Bukhara State University, demonstrated talents in traditional music, dance, acting, and instrumental performance. The event provided a platform for students to connect with Uzbek heritage and helped foster an appreciation for cultural traditions among young participants.
Each of these events has significantly contributed to preserving and promoting Uzbek cultural heritage by engaging students and community members in activities that showcase and celebrate local and national traditions.