“TURKIC HERITAGE ON THE GLOBAL STAGE: TOWARDS THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PARIS WORLD EXHIBITION” ROUND TABLE

The Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, in collaboration with the Azerbaijan National Conservatory, is organizing a Round Table on “Turkic Heritage on the Global Stage,” dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the triumphant performance of outstanding cultural figures of the Turkic peoples at the 1925 World Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris, France (French: Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes).

This exhibition not only gave rise to the Art Deco movement in decorative arts of the first half of the 20th century but also served as a platform for the recognition and appreciation of the cultural achievements of the Turkic peoples. Here, for the first time on the global stage, the unique cultural heritage of the Turkic world was presented. As part of this exhibition, 11 concerts were organized by the delegation of Turkic artists, which included outstanding cultural figures such as the Azerbaijani opera singer, educator, and music figure Shovkat Mammadova; Kazakh singer and actor, one of the founders of Kazakh national theater art, Amre Kashaubaev; Uzbek theater figure and singer, one of the founders of the Uzbek Musical Theater, Mukhitdin Kari-Yakubov and Uzbek dancer, singer, and actress Tamara-khanum Artemova; Bashkir folk musician, one of the founders of professional performance art on the kurai, Yumabay Isyanbaev, and others.

Their performances became a real triumph of professional performing arts, once again proving that the culture of the Turkic peoples is an integral part of global civilization.

The purpose of the Round Table is to highlight the historical significance of this event and to demonstrate the greatness of Turkic culture and the professional performing schools of the Turkic peoples.

The event will bring together leading folklorists, art historians, and cultural figures from the Turkic world to discuss the influence of Turkic culture on the development of 20th-century art and its relevance today. The Round Table will serve as a platform for scholarly dialogue, exchange of experience, and the strengthening of international cooperation in the field of cultural heritage preservation.

Special attention will be given to preserving the memory of outstanding figures, promoting their creative legacy, and continuing their work through their students and followers who have made significant contributions to global culture.

Today, a century later, it is important not only to pay tribute to the outstanding cultural figures of the Turkic world of the 20th century, but also to emphasize the relevance of their legacy for modern society, strengthening cultural interaction and dialogue among civilizations.