Khazarasp – a country of thousand horses

Issue #3 • 1983

On the eve of the Day of Independence of Uzbekistan were held some exhibitions devoted to the 12th anniversary of Independence and “The Year of Mahalla”. One of these exhibitions held at the Central Exhibition Hall of the Academy of Arts represented the culture and art of Khazarasp district. The exposition included one thousand works of twenty-seven artists (painting, graphics, applied arts and folk costume).

Khazarasp was a large trade and cultural center on the Great Silk Road what testify the ancient written sources having preserved and materials of archeological and ethnographic expeditions. It was known as the eastern gate of the Khorezm state and was called “Country of thousand horses”.

Today the city of Khazarasp is one of the cultural centers of Khorezm province. Here, alongside with traditional arts are developing modern art directions as well. Bewitching and unique nature of Khazarasp, monuments of architecture always drew attention of artists. Its landscapes inspired such artists, as L. Abdullaev, I. Kalandarov, J. Ruzibaev, J. Kuttimurodov, B. Ruzimatov, E. Masharipov, R. Allaiorov, K. Matmurodov, K. Bekchanov, S. Kodirov and the other famous masters creating perfect pictures.

For the years of Independence development of all fields of the fine arts has occupied an important place in the republic. The help the khakim of the district, Batyr Rakhimov rendered to the artists of Khazarasp has revived the operation of art studios “Rassom” and “Musavvir” in Khazarasp. Now, it is planned to open an art gallery in the city. The youth of the district is studying the secrets of miniature art at the studio established at the college by a member of art association at the Academy of Arts, K. Matmuradov.

The exhibition of the Khazarasp’s artists became of the public interest, first, because of it represented the works of the artists from the remote provincial district and, second, that it proved existence of the huge creative potential there. The exhibition is extremely interesting of the diversity of themes, depth of content and variety of style directions. Among the most interesting are, in particular, the works of S. Kodirov working in cubistic manner and T. Matmuradov’s hard-edge pictures. At the same time, the majority of exposed works follow a realistic art direction. Among them, there are pictures on historical theme and portraits by J. Palvanov and K. Bekchanov.

A special place in the art of the Khorezm region belongs to woodcarving. The majority of sculptural exhibits at the exhibition are made from wood. A bright example – portraits and compositional works of B. Ruzmetov.

It is worthy to mention especially the miniatures that draw attention by unique sounding of colour and skill of art performance. They are original not only in their content, but also in art technique: were used such materials, as a leather, wood etc. Works of Zafar Yusupov, Sardor Begnazarov, Anvar Abdullaev and Sardor Akhmedov differ both by traditionalism and by aspiration to synthesis with modern art tendencies. After closing of the exhibition was held round table with art critics. According to N. Juraev (responsible person for affairs of science, education, culture and sports at Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan), the tone set by the artists at the exhibition helped to reveal new sides of the life in the republic.

The management of the National Institute of Applied Arts and Design of K. Bihzad was recommended to establish the annual “master – classes” of professors and teachers in all fields of the fine arts for the talented creative youth from Khazarasp region, and the directors of the Republican Art College and the School of Painting and Applied Art after the name of A. Khujaev were recommended to arrange practical training of the talented pupils of the college in Khazarasp and to provide creative communication among the young artists. It has been also considered the issue of the scientific expedition to research for traditional culture of Khazarasp that should be organized by the Scientific Research Institute of Fine Arts and by its results to recommend to include Khazarasp district in UNESCO’s list in order to recognize this area as Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Author: Dilmurad Pulatov

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