ANTALYA, October 2. /Dunyo IA/.  Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan and People’s Artist Ozodbek Nazarbekov has been honoured with the “Cultural Service Award of the Turkic World” at the 2^nd International Mediterranean Theatre Awards, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Awards ceremony was held on September 26^th in Antalya, Türkiye, and was organised on the initiative of the “Tiyatro Gazetesi” publication to recognize the contributions of figures in culture and the art of theatre.

This year, the awards were presented to eight foreign and 29 Turkish figures from the cultural and theatre sectors.

Ozodbek Nazarbekov’s name was announced first at the ceremony. The award was received on behalf of the Minister by Shavkat Artikov, Representative of Uzbekistan to the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), who also conveyed the Minister’s greetings and best wishes to the participants of the event.

As part of the event, a press conference was held, during which Shavkat Artikov spoke about the attention being paid in Uzbekistan to the development of culture and art, including the art of theatre, under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

According to him, following the meeting between the Head of State and representatives of the sector on June 1 this year, new initiatives are being implemented in the field of theatre.

Press conference also highlighted the consistent development of Uzbekistan’s cultural and humanitarian cooperation with the countries of the Turkic world. In particular, by a decision of the Permanent Council of TURKSOY, Andijan was declared the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World for 2026, and a number of international cultural events are being held in the city as part of this status.

Organisers noted the contribution of the Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan to the development of culture and art, initiatives to support the art of theatre, as well as the country’s active participation in the cultural space of the Turkic world.

Ceremony concluded with awards being presented to all laureates and nominees, followed by a concert programme performed by the theatre troupe of Kepez district.