MAZARI-SHARIF, November 2. /Dunyo IA/.  An event dedicated to the Uzbek Language Day and its historical and cultural significance in the life of Afghan society was held in the Afghan city of Mazari-Sharif, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Meeting, which brought together about 300 participants, took place at the “Ariana” complex on the initiative of the Uzbek intelligentsia of the Balkh and Faryab provinces, in coordination with the Directorate of Information and Culture of Balkh Province.

Event was attended by representatives of local government authorities, staff of the Consulate of Uzbekistan, representatives of diplomatic and cultural organizations of Türkiye, as well as local scholars, poets, and writers.

Head of the Directorate of Information and Culture of Balkh Province, Mohammadullah Zarror, congratulated the participants and noted that such events testify to the importance of interethnic harmony in Afghanistan. He also conveyed greetings from the Governor of the Province Mohammad Yousuf Wafa and expressed support for initiatives to preserve the cultural heritage of the diverse peoples of the country.

Speaking representatives of the local intelligentsia, including the Muhammad Saeed Hashimi, Rector of Balkh University and Head of the Uzbek Language Department spoke about the history of the Uzbek language, its role in the development of society and its interaction with other languages.

Special attention was paid to the literary heritage of Alisher Navoiy, Lutfiy, Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur and Boborahim Mashrab. The participants emphasized the need for preserving and further developing the Uzbek language in Afghanistan.

Young representatives of the intelligentsia proposed establishing an Uzbek language center in Mazari-Sharif, organizing a publishing house to support young poets and writers, as well as developing the training of qualified teachers of the Uzbek language and literature.

A representative of the Consulate of Uzbekistan spoke about the measures taken to develop the state language, improve the system of specialist training and the prospects for expanding Uzbek-Afghan cooperation in this field.

Participants separately noted the development of cultural, humanitarian, trade and economic ties between the two countries. In particular, the significance of constructing the Imam al-Bukhari Madrasah complex in Mazari-Sharif and installing a monument to Alisher Navoiy with the support of Uzbekistan was emphasized.

Within the framework of the event, Afghan Uzbek poets recited their works and exhibitions of paintings by local artists, books by Uzbek authors and national dishes were organized.