BRYUSSEL, May 22. /Dunyo IA/. An analytical article has been published in the tourist-popular Belgian publication “Travel Tomorrow” about a new project aimed at preserving the unique ancient melodies and sounds of Uzbekistan, reports Dunyo correspondent.

The publication notes that shepherd chants, melodies performed at rural festivals, or drum rhythms of local processions, as well as the traditional music and instruments of the Central Asian republic, are being recorded or digitally recreated by researchers working in cooperation with the “Uzbektelecom” company.

“Ohang” initiative makes these mesmerizing mountain melodies and rhythms accessible to contemporary creators, who increasingly seek inspiration in the Uzbek musical heritage but face barriers or misconceptions regarding the origins of folk music”, - the source states.

According to international performer, composer and intangible cultural heritage specialist Uktam Khakimov, there are a number of misconceptions and barriers in this field.

“Non-specialists often confuse local motifs with Arabic, Azerbaijani, or Turkmen music. When searching on stock music platforms for “Uzbek music”, relevant results are often missing, or completely irrelevant compositions are offered instead”, - the expert noted.

For resolving this problem, the new “Ohang” catalog provides a free digital archive of traditional music of Uzbekistan, including basic melodies, rare instrument recordings and sound samples in the format of a single open resource.

In the future, it is planned to expand and replenish the archive. Researchers hope that users of the platform will download and use the recordings in video, cinema, musical and advertising projects, as well as embark on their own field expeditions to find rare ancient melodies.