TASHKENT, September 30. /Dunyo IA/.  A delegation of German experts in the fields of historical memory, archival heritage, and the study of the consequences of totalitarian regimes visited Uzbekistan as part of a research and study tour organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Federal Republic of Germany, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Primary objective of the visit was to establish direct relations between the scientific, archival, and memorial institutions of the two countries, exchange expertise in studying the history of political repressions and preserving historical memory, as well as deliberate on the prospects of joint scientific and educational projects.

Delegation was led by Dr. Anna Kaminsky, Director and Member of the Management Board of the Federal Foundation for the Reappraisal of the SED Dictatorship. Delegation also included the directors of the “Lindenstraße” Memorial in Potsdam and “Bautzner Straße” Memorial in Dresden, as well as the Vice President of the Federal Archives of Germany, Alexandra Titze.

During the visit, German experts toured the State Museum of the “Memory of the Victims of Repression”. Director of the Museum Bakhtiyor Khasanov, presented to the guests the ongoing work dedicated to perpetuating the memory of the victims of political repressions, as well as the collection, preservation and scientific study of historical documents and artefacts associated with their fates.

Participants devoted particular attention to the methodologies of researching political repressions, preservation of historical memory and the pivotal role of memorial institutions within society. Furthermore, prospects for professional cooperation between the museums and scientific institutions of Uzbekistan and Germany were deliberated upon.

German delegation also visited the Coordination and Methodological Center for the Contemporary History of Uzbekistan under the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan. Representatives of the center briefed the delegation on contemporary scientific research, methodologies for working with archival sources and ongoing projects aimed at studying the modern history of the nation.

Concurrently, parties discussed the utilization of oral history methodologies, digitalization and the popularization of research findings, alongside exploring opportunities for joint scientific ventures and the exchange of expertise in studying the heritage of totalitarian periods.

At the National Archives of Uzbekistan, the delegation held a meeting with representatives of the Uzbek side, led by the Director of the “Uzarchive” Agency Ulugbek Yusupov. German experts were briefed on the comprehensive work being undertaken to preserve and digitalize archival documents, implement modern technologies and expand international cooperation.

Following the meetings, parties expressed mutual interest in further strengthening cooperation in the fields of historical memory, archival and museum affairs, as well as conducting joint research projects and scientific events.

Research and study tour of the German delegation to Uzbekistan is ongoing.