Discovery Central Asia #30

Discovery Central Asia #30 music of Central Asia

Dear Friends,

To many people, in many cultures, music is an important part of their way of life. Ancient cultures used music in their mystical ceremonies, festivals, war dances, and work songs. Later, religion and music amalgamated into a close relationship with each other, which was used in Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. These days, it is even used as medical therapy.

Music also serves as a universal language between nations. Many organisations have implemented numerous programs and music initiatives in Central Asia. Artists often exchange thoughts and collaborate with each other through music. But most important of all, music can be used to heal the world.

Music has long been an expression of people from different cultures around the world.  The oldest artifacts that show people playing musical instruments are found in Asia and are around four thousand years old.  Other archaeological findings suggest that different cultures around the world have always focused on their own special instruments, developing unique methods of playing them.  However, no matter how much music may have differed in different parts of the world, it seems that music has always served a general common purpose:  to bring people together. This is true whether it be at school, in the workplace, in church, in the army, and even during revolutions (such as those in Cuba or Brazil).
Therefore, music can be used not only as a vehicle for expression, but also as a way to mobilise and inspire listeners to think differently and take action. Musical styles change, messages to its listeners change, the world's view changes.
Such a change was necessary in a country at the heart of Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan, where a revolution took place on April 7th 2010. As with every revolution it brought with it many challenges and obstacles. Following the April events in Kyrgyzstan our SILK ROAD MEDIA office was left in ruins, having been robbed by marauders. It left us without the vital equipment and furniture we need to operate. Moreover, after the bloodshed in the south of Kyrgyzstan, thousands of Uzbeks and Kyrgyz were left without the means for existence. However, every revolution leads to evolution. Therefore, Kyrgyzstan, in such a difficult period of its history, should not lose the opportunity to promote its culture and tourism opportunities throughout the world, and thus make itself and its sufferings heard. We hope that people won’t stay indifferent to these events and make their contributions to heal the world.

In this issue, we want to make yet another revolution, this time in your minds, by presenting “the Music of Central Asia” that is as vast, diverse and unique as the many cultures and peoples who inhabit the region.

Enjoy this issue, as if it is a concert held free of charge, performed by artists from the six countries of Central Asia: Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.

Always yours,
Marat Akhmedjanov
Publisher 

Appeal to support Silk Road Media office in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Silk Road Media opened its satellite office in February 2010, in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The main objective of our representation is to report events happening in both Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. We also wish to promote Kyrgyzstan as a new tourist area, through the publication of guidebooks and colourful journals. Opening this office is a strategically important step for both the company and for the region as a whole, since all of our information can be taken from primary sources. The special feature of our publications is our ability to cover the culture, history, traditions and art of the people of Central Asia, within the framework of objectively reflecting the positive aspects of this collection of Central Asian countries, excluding the pursuit of dubious sensationalism. Since we have been the only publication specialised in promoting tourism in Central Asia for the last 8 years, our work is very important. Our direct mission is to attract tourists and investment in this still relatively unexplored region, as well as fostering the development of tourism and international relations. During the events of April 7th-8th, 2010, our representative office, which was located in the Agroprom building on Bishkek's central Ala-Too Square, suffered badly. The demonstrators broke into the building between 9 and 10 PM, and the entire building from the 1st to 7th floor was destroyed and robbed. The building rented offices to governmental and international organisations, committees for religion and culture, and many other private organisations. All were equally ruined.
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Discovery Central Asia #29

Dear friends,

We are happy to present our latest edition of Discovery Central Asia, the first in 2010.

Central Asia is becoming more well-known to the international community as a region of strategic, economic and political importance. The tourism attraction of the region has also improved in recent years as it has become a fabled Silk Road destination. People are starting to ask, who are these people? Who lives there? What are their traditions and cultures? In the current issue we will try to give some more information covering these topics, although as the saying goes you have to see it to believe it!

We’ve been very lucky to get the most interesting authors in this field from all over the world. The Central Asia region has a wide diversity of cultures and people. Over 100 ethnic groups live there. Our authors will cover just a few of them in this issue.

Professor Rafiz Abazov from the Harriman Institute has written a very comprehensive introduction to the culture and traditions of Central Asia. Vitaliy Shuptar brings your attention to several articles on the Kazakhs who are known for their nomadic lifestyle. We even go deeper into original Kazakh culture in an article on the Kazakhs of Western Mongolia by Anna Portisch from SOAS. The Kyrgyz, whose history brings them from Siberia to the mountains of the Tien Shan, which creates a unique culture, are proudly presented by Kuban Mambetaliev from the Kyrgyz Embassy in London and Elena Bosler-Guseva from AUCA. The Tajiks are the only non turkic country in Central Asia with a deep Persian influence but with a very original culture highlighted in articles written by VSO volunteers in Tajikistan. Uzbeks are undoubtedly the most vibrant nation in Central Asia with a long history, rich in folklore and traditions. They are beautifully described in articles by the celebrated writer Hamid Ismailov and Dr. Razia Sultanova from London.

Last, but not least, we have an article about the Russians, who are not originally from Central Asia but with a population of almost 10 million had a significant influence on Central Asian culture.

In conclusion we have included an article on national head wear by one of the best specialists in this field, Irina Bogoslovskaya . This will give you a better understanding of how Central Asian cultures can be both similar and different at the same time.

Of course there is much more to write about, but we have limited space. However I am sure we will return to this subject again to cover the other nations and people of Central Asia, such as the Turkmen, Karakalpak, Dungans, Uyugurs, Koreans and Tatars.

Please do write to us with your comments and ideas on future topics for our publication.


Always yours,

Marat Akhmedjanov
Publisher

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