BUDAPEST, February 6. /Dunyo IA/.  As part of the Year of Culture, Science, and Innovation “Uzbekistan - Hungary”, a Uzbekistan Culture Day was held in the town of Kondoros, Békés County, Hungary. The event was organized with the support of Sándor Lezsák, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

As part of the event, a photo exhibition titled “Silk Road Street View along the Silk Road - Uzbekistan through the eyes of a Hungarian Photographer” was presented, showcasing Uzbekistan’s historical and cultural heritage as well as the everyday life of its people. The exhibition features approximately 1,000 photographs captured by Hungarian photojournalist Sándor Újvári during his 2022 trip across Uzbekistan.

The exhibition allowed visitors to gain a deeper understanding of Uzbekistan’s rich and multifaceted world through the universal language of photography. The works on display portray ancient cities, everyday life, local traditions and human stories, providing a holistic view of the country and its people.

The photographs were created as part of an international photography program initiated by the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TÜRKSOY). Hungary is represented in the program by photojournalist Sándor Újvári, who spent nearly three weeks visiting various regions of Uzbekistan. His work invites viewers on a unique visual journey where past and present, people and environment, faces and fleeting moments intertwine along the Great Silk Road.

The event was attended by representatives of the Hungarian Parliament, officials from Békés County, Sultan Raev, Secretary-General of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TÜRKSOY), Ferenc Vojtkó, Managing Director of the “White Lily” Folk High School and photojournalist Sándor Újvári.

Speaking at the event, Sultan Raev, Secretary General of TURKSOY:

- Almost all great figures of our Central Asian region are connected to Uzbekistan. The photographs on display vividly demonstrate that Uzbekistan is rightfully the spiritual center of Central Asia. Legendary cities of the Great Silk Road - Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva - are located here. Uzbekistan has produced outstanding thinkers such as Avicenna, Ulugh Beg and Alisher Navoi, whose contributions to global science and culture are immense.

Throughout history, virtually all major civilizations intersected on the territory of Uzbekistan. To introduce Hungarian audiences to the region’s cultural and historical heritage, a tour was organized for 20 photojournalists. Uzbekistan left a profound impression on them, which is why the majority of the works presented today focus on the everyday life of the Uzbek people.

“The multinational people of Uzbekistan have, through their own hard work, built an economically strong nation. These photographs offer a small yet sincere glimpse into Uzbekistan. To truly discover this country, I recommend that everyone visit Tashkent at least once in their lifetime and experience the national Uzbek cuisine”, - he said.

He also emphasized that the friendly relations between President of Uzbekistan and Prime Minister of Hungary have a positive impact on deepening bilateral cooperation. In particular, he recalled the recent opening of an exhibition dedicated to Attila the Hun at the Hungarian National Museum, which featured exhibits from Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries, and announced the upcoming premiere of the film “Amir Temur and Donna Maria” in Budapest.

Ferenc Vojtko, Director of the National College “White Lily”, noted that the exhibition once again demonstrated the cultural closeness of the Uzbek and Hungarian peoples as well as their historical and spiritual interconnectedness. He emphasized that the college is always pleased to host and organize events dedicated to Uzbekistan.

Photojournalist Sándor Újvári shared his personal impressions from his trip to Uzbekistan, explaining that prior to his visit he had only a general idea of the country, but the journey allowed him to discover the authentic life of the Uzbek people. According to him, the photographs focused on three thematic areas: men and their daily lives, women and their role in society and the elderly as custodians of traditions.

He highlighted the remarkable continuity between generations, family values, the atmosphere of workshops, bazaars, and everyday life, emphasizing the exceptional hospitality and high cultural mindset of the Uzbek people, which, he noted, is as much a national treasure as the country’s history and heritage.

The exhibition will remain open to the public until 14 February.