December1, 2014
Islam Karimov Hands over Amir Temur Order to Termez. 2
100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UZBEK NATIONAL ACADEMIC DRAMATIC THEATRE.. 2
Tashkent Celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the Uzbek National Academic Drama Theatre. 2
REGIONS: Sirdaryo Province.. 3
Man-Made Wonder in a Steppe. 3
POLICY
Islam Karimov Hands over Amir Temur Order to Termez
President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov handed over Amir Temur order to Termez city on 28 November 2014, the press service of the President of Uzbekistan said.
As reported earlier, President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov signed a decree “On awarding Termez city with Amir Temur order” on 22 August 2014.
Islam Karimov said that tens of schools, lyceums and colleges, art and sport schools, modern building of Termez State University were built in Surkhandarya region, which helped to improve outlook of the region.
It was noted that great work was conducted to preserve ancient and unique culture, traditions and customs of Surkhandarya people, unique intangible heritage.
Uzbek leader said that Termez State Archeology Museum, only in Central Asia, was created in the region and 1000th anniversary of Alpomish and 2,500th anniversary of Termez city were celebrated in Uzbekistan.
Speaking at the ceremony, Uzbek President also talked about peace and security in the Central Asian region.
Islam Karimov said that war in Afghanistan, which last for 35 years, threats to peace and stability of the Central Asian region. He once again recalled that conflict in Afghanistan cannot be solved with military forces.
He said that position of Uzbekistan is clear. Uzbekistan does not interfere to internal affairs of neighboring state and develops relations in principle of mutual respect and cooperation with the Government, which is elected by the Afghan people.
(Source: UzDaily.com)
100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UZBEK NATIONAL ACADEMIC DRAMATIC THEATRE
Tashkent Celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the Uzbek National Academic Drama Theatre
A solemn event dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Uzbek National academic drama theatre was held in Tashkent on November 28.
The decree of the head of our state “On the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Uzbek National academic drama theatre” dated January 22, 2014, became an unforgettable event in the cultural life of our country.
The event, timed to this date, was attended by representatives of ministries, departments, creative and non-governmental organizations, academics, advocates of spirituality, teachers, representatives of culture and art, intellectuals, students and art lovers.
The congratulation of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov to the staff of the Uzbek National academic drama theatre was read by the State Advisor to the President H. Sultanov.
In accordance with the decree of President Islam Karimov “On awarding the group of theatre workers in connection with the 100th anniversary of the Uzbek National academic drama theatre” from November 27 of the current year, a group of workers of the theatre was awarded with the honorary titles, orders and medals of our country.
(Source: UzReport.uz)
REGIONS: Sirdaryo Province
Man-Made Wonder in a Steppe
The land in Uzbekistan’s Sirdaryo Province exemplifies success achieved by hardworking people in revitalizing virgin territory and turning it into a fertile land with a vibrant agrarian and industrial infrastructure.
WHEN WATER SERVES NO PURPOSE
The province sprawls over almost all the area of Mirzachul Steppe, which is sometimes called the Hungry Steppe. The land, which flanks the Sirdaryo River, owes its uncomforting name to the fact that without particular melioration measures it is as good as dead and cannot be used for farming purposes: crop yields would be so infinitesimal that they wouldn’t even cover the costs incurred. Behind this are two reasons. First, there is a massive body of underground water close to land surface. Second, the land abounds with insoluble salts.
However, it was in the past century that people there learned to deal with the elements. A new system of measures was worked out and a variety of facilities constructed, which helped to cut the amount of subterranean water and salt. To achieve this, all the available technologies were put into use. Irrigation activities coupled with amelioration measures being taken have helped to secure positive results in land farming achieved by the hardworking people here.
Practice has once again demonstrated the importance of these measures.
…I remember our first business trip to Sirdaryo Province. It was around four years ago. It had rained heavily at night, and the next morning the land was flooded with water. Underground water was so close to the surface that the land failed to absorb the rain water. Incidentally, it rained during our recent trip too, but we did not see any areas on the ground flooded with water.”
“The year 2008 was a watershed, when the activities of our organization were drastically revised and a Foundation for the Amelioration of Irrigated Lands was set up”, says Tuymurod Sharipov, chief of Sirdaryo Province’s melioration expedition. “Over the course of six years, the whole melioration system was put to rights. The cleaning of the drainage system allowed us to forgo several pumping installations as the water ran on its own. Presently, the melioration system receives a lot of attention to ensure its operation. This year alone, a total of 16 billion soums was sunk into the reconstruction and repairs of 39 hydromelioration facilities (currency rates of CB RU from 1.12.2014 1$= 2401.09 soums). The outcomes of these efforts can be seen in an increase in agricultural crop yields and the emergence of new directions in land farming. This is very important for our region because the farmers not only deliver food to the market, but also provide raw materials for a number of industrial companies.”
INDUSTRIAL COMPANIES UP THEIR GAME
The Sirdaryo Thermoelectric Power Station long remained a flagship entity, producing 32% of the total volume of electric energy in Uzbekistan. However, several enterprises have spring up in the region, winning the pride of the local populace.
“Over the first nine months of this year, the production of consumer goods in the region increased by 34.1%, and the industry – by 58.9%. All this was made possible by the implementation of 230 projects worth 257.5 billion soums and $5.2 million,” said the first deputy head of the region’s economic administration, Abdukhalil Islamov. “New capacities are primarily meant for the production of local raw materials.”
The textile and light industry, especially the production of knitwear and clothes, are developing at a rapid pace. Since the start of the year, 23 projects worth $5.2 billion soums and $5.2 million have been implemented. For example, Omad tex knitwear producer was launched in Yangiyer, while in Sirdaryo District investment projects to the tune of 1.2 billion soums have been consummated at Beck tex for the expansion of production capacities. At that, the bulk of the companies aspire to create a complete industrial chain cycle – from cotton to finished products.
“Our factory produces knitted garments along with manufacturing facilities in Bakht and Bayaut area is part of a group of Beck-Textil companies and completes the chain of processing raw materials into finished products – children’s clothes. All that remains to be done is to set up a dye shop. All units, including designer services, are running on modern high-tech equipment,” says CEO of Gul-Ren-Tex, Botir Ismoilov. “The goods manufactured succeeded in gaining prominence in the market. All efforts are made to fulfill the orders of major retail chains in Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan.”
“Uzbek textile products are attractive because they are 100-percent composed of cotton and, in terms of quality, surpass products from many countries,” said a representative of the trade network from Belarus, Vladimir Belousov. “Therefore, we intend to step up cooperation.
In recent years, Sirdaryo Province has become a major center for the production of pharmaceutical products and medical devices. Since the beginning of the year, nine projects worth 25.3 billion soums have been realized.
The construction of productive capacities of Sirdarya Licorice Extract, which will process licorice roots grown here, is nearing its completion. The finished goods the company aims for is glycerin, which is in high demand in the pharmaceutical and perfume industries. In the near future, Uzpharmsanoat intends to launch production of pharmaceutical products from melons and fruit and vegetable crops.
The production of medications is on the rise as well. More specifically, Reka-Med-Farm joint venture completed an investment project to revamp the production of infusion liquids this year.
We also visited GulistonMedTex, which is also building capacities. The company is expected to become Uzbekistan’s largest producer of disposable syringes and drip systems.
“We have completed the construction of industrial buildings, and in the coming days we intent to begin the installation of equipment,” said Acting Director General, Amir Erzhigitov. “Initially, we will be buying raw materials abroad, and with the launch of Usturt Chemical Complex we plan to switch to the locally made options, which will cut the costs of production costs and boost their competitiveness.”
The construction materials industry is also thriving. Since the beginning of the year, 68 investment projects have been realized to launch production of baked bricks, fillers, corrugated board, white glue, emulsion paints. Much attention is paid to the intensive development of the food industry, where only 108 projects have been implemented to the tune of 23.1 billion soums. That is production of bread, pasta, pastry, shop meat and milk processing. Capacities have been added in the furniture and paper industry – Gulistan’s ‘Proxima genesis’ produces modern furniture, and “Yangiyer Muhammad Zia” makes hygiene products. More manufacturers of household chemicals have sprung up. Gulistan’s LLC Bio Toza manufactures detergents, and a company was commissioned to produce a wide range of products made of polyethylene in Sirdaryo,
GENEROUS LANDS
“Grains and cotton are staple agricultural products in our region. Melon cultivation, horticulture, gardening, livestock breeding, poultry farming, fish farming and beekeeping are thriving.”.
(From a conversation with the head of the Sirdaryo Region Board of Agriculture and Water Economy, Abduazim Hidirov).
In recent years, grain growers have been particularly successful. Improvement of the condition of lands, strict compliance with agricultural techniques, and the use of new varieties of grains have helped to increase crop yields from 13 to 50 centners of grains per hectare. In 2010, farmers harvested 379,000 tons of grains. This year, the figure swelled to 454,500. Cotton growing has shown progress as well.
“The region is home to 5,584 farming households, the bulk of which are primarily engaged in cotton and grain cultivation,” says Shoir Juraqulov, leading specialist at the Sirdaryo Province’s Council of Farmers. “We also work hard to disseminate the experience of the 1,474 farmers, who have diversified their households’ activities and started growing other crops and processing agricultural products.”
“Multiproduct farming households presently take an active part in the development of industrial sectors that involve high technologies,” underlined Sulton Tajiyev, a plant cultivation specialist with the Sirdaryo Region Administration of Agriculture and Water Economy. Among them is Yulchiboy-ota farming household in Sirdaryo District.
“Our household was founded in 2004, and initially we grew only cotton and grains. Gradually, we started activities in other types of agriculture. Microcreditbank has provided active help in this,” says Muhamadjon Hojayev, the head of Yulchiboy-ota farming household. “Four years ago, we set up a greenhouse on 17 hectares of land. We now harvest up to 120 tons of tomatoes per season. There’s plenty of work in the greenhouse throughout the year, which helps us make sure that the villagers remain employed.”
Syrdarya farmers pay as much attention to the locally famous Mirzachul melons known for their remarkable taste and set up new gardens. On 224 hectares of land, they have laid out a garden based on traditional local techniques this year. Another 235 hectares now host intensive gardens. Trickle irrigation is in broad use in the new gardens. Also, vineyards are being set up in Sirdaryo, Havast and Saihunobod Districts. This year, regular and wine types of grapes occupy 364 hectares of land.
“Today, farmers are contributing actively to the growth of livestock breeding as well,” noted Doniyor Toshpulatov, an animal breeding specialist with the Sirdaryo Region Administration of Agriculture and Water Economy. Due to the absence of pastures for breeding sheep and goats, the region is mainly engaged in breeding cattle. Around 80% of livestock are housed in additional farming households. In recent years, however, farmers have made a noticeable contribution to the increase of livestock. One such farming household is Sulton in Sirdaryo District.
“We did land farming for the most part, but last year we decided to expand our activities,” says Muhitdin Hojabekov, head of Sulton household. “On funds secured from Microcreditbank, we purchased 100 pure-bred cows from Germany and Ukraine. Milk cows produce up to thirty liters of milk daily. We are now considering setting up a milk processing workshop.”
Fishing and poultry farms are on the up. Over the past four years, following the creation of new households that farm fish in artificial ponds, fish production has increased four times. In 2010, the market received 256 tons of live fish while this year a total of 1,450 tons have entered the market. The primary fishes are the sazan, the grass carp and the silver carp. Recently, a fish farm for breeding African catfish has been set up at Farhod Hydro Power Station.
Poultry population, primarily chickens, has grown by 113%. In recent years, entrepreneurs have built several major poultry farms equipped with modern conveyor equipment. The pride of the sector is the breeding enterprise Guliston Parranda and chicken meat producer Guliston Broyler. Among the young flagship producers is Asr Parranda in Mirzaobod District, which keeps around 60,000 egg-laying hens that provide up to 45,000 eggs per day.
“In spite of the impressive growth rate, the agrarian sector, especially its areas that specialize in production based on modern technologies, is in need of specialists and entrepreneurs ready to create new capacities,” says Abduazim Hidirov, head of the Sirdaryo Regional Administration of Agriculture and Water Economy. “We are trying to attract businessmen with a broad market of product sales – four cities in the province and five major industrial centers in Tashkent Province as well as among agricultural product consumers and in the capital city. The most remote city is 1.5 hours’ drive by car.
NEW BUSINESS HORIZONS
The establishment of a Sirdaryo branch of the Jizzakh Special Industrial Zone and the introduction of preferential treatment helped to create four new production lines in our complex. In the long term, it will provide jobs for 450 people, while the annual production of finished products will rise up to $100 million, and increase of exports up to $50 million».
(From a conversation with the Deputy General Director of JV Peng Sheng, Gafur Akhmedov).
Peng Sheng JV is the first major project of private Chinese enterprises in Uzbekistan, and allows developing countries to gain unique experience of production of popular products. Its story begins in 2009, when the company Jinsheng Trade Co. Ltd in cooperation with the Uzbek Company ‘Sinlong’ created a joint venture the primary aim of which was the development of an industrial park ‘Peng Sheng’, which currently occupies 37 hectares of formerly unoccupied land. Today, entrepreneurs are building on its territory new ventures by often attracting new partners for such projects.
An enterprise producing ceramic tiles was built first. In one year the company can produce up to 4.8 million square kilometers of tiles. ‘Peng SHENG CHARM’ LLC was second and it focused on harvesting natural leather with advanced technology, as the company will annually process up to 600 thousand hides of cattle and 200 thousand small cattle skins. The local shoe factory ‘Peng Sheng Shoes’ LLC can stitch up to 300 thousand pair of shoes in a year. It is one of the few domestic producers in Uzbekistan, which produce both male and female shoes.
Simultaneously with the construction of the first production facilities, the infrastructure including office buildings, dormitories and sports complex for employees were built in the industrial park. The laboratory, which monitors the quality of the raw material which comes from livestock farms, has become an integral part of the industrial complex. Modern power supply systems have been developed, as well as a new sewage treatment plant, a railway sidings were laid out.
The second phase of the construction of new production facilities began after the establishment of the Jizzakh branch. The production of cell phones and smart phones at JV ‘Pengzhong xingsheng’ was launched first, and as of today their range has increased to seven models.
‘Peng sheng Casing’ ОМ produces medical suture. In the future, it intends to process 1,000 tons of raw materials per year, the volume of production is projected to increase to 5 billion soums, and exports to $1.8 million. The nearby JV ‘Peng Sheng feed’ is also a unique enterprise in Uzbekistan. Here, food for dogs is produced using the intensities obtained from live stock. The product is also export-oriented and in the near future volumes here are projected to increase up to $ 3.2 million.
Just in recent days at the industrial park a new venture created with the participation of Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex was launched. JV ‘AWP’ established serial production of faucets for sanitary ware, fittings and accessories.
And that’s not all. New projects are currently in the making. In particular, plans include production of glazes to increase the level of localization of production of raw materials for the production of ceramic tiles. Currently they are purchased from abroad.
REGION IN A NUTSHELL
The development of agrarian and industrial sectors of the economy contributed to its territorial administrative division. Today, it includes eight districts and five cities.
Sometimes misconceptions are formed that the settlement of the area of Sirdaryo Province has occurred over the 200 years. However, archeological monuments, of which there are 39, indicate that people lived here many centuries ago. Historians trace the oldest settlements to the period of the birth of the Great Silk Road and earlier periods. An archeology club operates at the Regional History Museum. In collaboration with specialists of the Institute of Archeology they plan to study all the archeological monuments.
Social infrastructure is actively developing in villages and cities as well. Billions of investments have been pumped into the development of health care, the bulk of them into rural healthcare facilities. The reconstruction of a children’s regional diversified medical center and a regional perinatal center has been completed.
The province is home to 304 schools, four academic lyceums and 48professional colleges. Shirin College of Energy and Services is the pride of the Republic. The learning process here in close correlation with the Sirdaryo Theremoelectric Center and Farhod Hydropower Station. After classes, students attend production sessions in a workshop, which is equipped with a model of the thermal power station. The regional university is oriented toward training specialists not only for secondary education institutions but also for thriving sectors of economy. Part of the enterprises address issues related to hiring of personnel in conjunction with Tashkent’s universities and institutes, but the need for specialists in processing agricultural produce and transportation is covered at their own expense. New modern sporting facilities, music and art schools and ‘Barkamol avlod’ Children’s Art Centers have been built.
People in the region lead a bustling cultural life. One of the most beautiful buildings in Gulistan houses the Regional Center of Culture and Enlightenment. It includes the regional information and library center, a picture gallery and national cultural centers. Meetings with men of letters and artists and various cultural mass events are held regularly. Nearby is the Regional Music Drama Theater.
“At this point, we are getting ready for renovations,” says the director of the theater, Alisher Hushvaqtov. “A major overhaul is coming up next year, and the team will be working to refresh its repertoire. Plans include several stagings, which we intend to put up in conjunction with leading theaters in Tashkent.”
(Source: “Uzbekistan Today” newspaper)
traditions
Resplendent Ceramics
Colors of the sun, land, greens and water in exquisite clay shapes are all characteristic of unique Gijduvan ceramics fashioned by trie masters Narzullayevs.
About forty kilometers from Bukhara is a small town of Gijduvan, where a sixth-generation master ceramist, Alisher Narzullayev, creates ceramic dishware – lagans (platters), piyolas (cups), kosas (bowls) and vases – with intricate patterns and bright colors that make for a sight to behold.
Alisher learned his skills in shaping incredible dishware on a potter’s wheel and methods of painting patterns on them from his father, master Ibadullo. He succeeded not only in creating his own signature style, but also in passing on the tricks of the art to his children.
Recently, the works by Alisher Narzullayev, a member of the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan, received international recognition again. At VERA World Fine Art Festival 2014, an annual international event that celebrates visual arts, he won a Grand Prix for his contribution to the preservation of the traditions of Uzbek ceramics. The festival was held in Lisbon.
“These ceramics draw upon centuries-old traditions, which must not only be preserved, but also studied/’ says Narzullayev. “Over eighty ceramic forms have been found in recent years, some in sketches and works by my grandpa and others in museums in Uzbekistan. Each discovery is cause for elation. Once I discover a new form, I try to add something of my own to it.”
A distinctive feature of Gijduvan ceramics is angob dyes, which, apart from pigments, include clay. They are applied on raw objects, and once the disware is baked, the result is unique patterns in relief. It is as if the patterns are “hidden” in a glass-like layer of yellowish glaze. Once the surface is illuminated by light, the effect is all but unforgettable.
Moreover, older-generation masters representing the dynasty have restored a unique ancient technique for decorating black Gijduvan ceramics. The dyes are made of natural components. The secret to creating them has been passed from generation to generation. And it stands to reason that the masters are divided into kulol and naqqosh (potter and painter). The men in the family have always masterfully combined the two skills.
Currently, it is the seventh and the eighth generations of the masters, among them women, that are carrying on with the venerable craft. Art management specialist Dilnoza Narzullayeva, a representative of the dynasty, not only organizes exhibitions, but also crafts fantastic figurines and whistles from clay. These days, the items not only adorn interiors and entertain children while in days gone by, during celebrations of Nowruz, the whistles were relied upon to call for rain in order to ensure rich crops. In the artisan’s words, these traditional toys differ from regular toys not only in shape and patterns; to ensure durability and beauty, they are baked twice and glazed. At the National Museum of Applied Art, Dilnoza holds master classes for local visitors and tourists. She picks works by potters to showcase the main Uzbek ceramics schools as part of her collection.
Representatives of various generations of masters spoke about themselves and their creations at ‘Legends of Uzbek Ceramics’ exhibition held at the Showroom of Culture and Arts at Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Culture and Sports Affairs.
(Source: “Uzbekistan Today” newspaper)
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