Türkiye and Uzbekistan are preparing to elevate their deep-rooted historical and cultural bonds to new heights through a series of comprehensive joint initiatives. The renewed partnership encompasses a wide spectrum of cooperative fields, ranging from the meticulous preservation of shared cultural heritage to professional expertise exchanges, the performing arts, museum management, and cinema.
Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy traveled to Tashkent to participate in high-level diplomatic and cultural discussions held in conjunction with the landmark celebrations of the 35th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence. Accompanied by Uzbek Minister of Culture Ozodbek Nazarbekov, Minister Ersoy engaged in strategic bilateral meetings aimed at solidifying the cultural alliance between the two nations.
During their visit, the two ministers toured the prestigious Uzbekistan Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent, where they held official talks following the tour. Minister Ersoy emphasized the critical importance of advancing cultural and artistic collaboration through concrete projects outlined within the framework of the 2026–2027 Cultural Cooperation Plan.
Strengthening Shared Heritage and Archaeological Collaboration
A primary cornerstone of the bilateral talks centered on the preservation and transmission of shared cultural heritage to future generations. Highlighting Türkiye’s extensive institutional experience in restoration and conservation methodologies, Minister Ersoy stated that Turkish specialists are fully prepared to share their technical knowledge and practical expertise with their Uzbek counterparts.
The discussions underscored the necessity of expanding mutual expert visits, specialized hands-on training programs, and collaborative efforts directed toward historical foundation assets and archaeological excavations. Minister Ersoy specifically drew attention to the participation of Uzbek researchers in the Archaeological Summer School under the umbrella of the renowned Taş Tepeler Project. Furthermore, he noted that increasing the involvement of Turkish archaeologists in ongoing excavations and research initiatives across Uzbekistan will significantly reinforce scientific cooperation between the academic institutions of both countries.
As part of the broader administrative and operational dialogue, Minister Ersoy also shared insights regarding Türkiye’s successful "Night Museology" model. Having attracted over one million visitors in 2025 and extended across 22 museums and archaeological sites by 2026, this innovative operational framework was presented as a valuable benchmark that could be adapted or shared with Uzbek cultural authorities to enhance visitor engagement at historical landmarks.
In addition to institutional and infrastructural cooperation, the ministries reached a formal consensus to establish folk dance traditions as a core joint working area. Through coordinated projects in traditional performing arts, both governments intend to amplify the visibility and reach of Turkic culture among wider global audiences.
New Milestones in Cinema and Visual-Audio Co-Productions
Cinema and visual-audiovisual media constituted another pivotal item on the official agenda in Tashkent. As creative industries continue to serve as a bridge between the two populations, both sides explored expansive avenues for joint cinematic ventures.
Minister Ersoy highlighted the commencement of production for the feature film "Turkistan Braves" as a major milestone for bilateral co-productions. He noted that the official implementation of an Audio-Visual Co-Production Agreement between Türkiye and Uzbekistan will firmly anchor industry-level partnerships on a permanent, legally secure foundation, facilitating future creative collaborations between filmmakers, producers, and production houses in both countries.
Historic Signings in Fine Arts and Music
Following the extensive bilateral negotiations, a significant institutional milestone was achieved with the official signing of a "Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Culture" between the Directorate General of Fine Arts of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the State Philharmonic Orchestra of Uzbekistan.
Conducted in the presence of the respective ministers, the signing ceremony marks a fresh chapter of institutionalized cooperation aimed at deepening bilateral relations in music, orchestral performance, and the broader performing arts sector. This agreement is expected to pave the way for joint artistic tours, reciprocal performances, and creative exchanges between musicians and artists from both nations.
Concluding his official itinerary in the Uzbek capital, Minister Ersoy is scheduled to attend the grand Gala Concert celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the Independence of Uzbekistan, hosted at the prestigious International Forums Palace in Tashkent.
