NAMANGAN, Uzbekistan, June 22: The city of Namangan is set to become a global hub of traditional music and cultural dialogue as it hosts the III International Maqam Art Forum from June 23 to 26, 2026, under the auspices of UNESCO and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO). The prestigious international event is expected to bring together more than 230 delegates from 83 countries and international organizations, reaffirming Uzbekistan’s growing role in preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Eastern maqam music.
The four-day forum will welcome an impressive lineup of distinguished guests, including ISESCO Director-General Dr. Salim Muhammad Al-Malik, UNESCO Executive Board Chair Nosir Hamad Hinzab, Organisation of Turkic States Secretary-General Kubanichbek Omuraliev, TURKSOY Secretary-General Sultanboy Rayev, and Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation President Aktoti Raimkulova. Former Turkish Prime Minister and Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Organisation of Turkic States Binali Yildirim is also expected to attend.
Culture ministers and senior government officials from Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan will participate alongside representatives of prominent international cultural organizations, scholars, heritage experts, and renowned musicians from across the globe.
Among the internationally acclaimed participants are People’s Artist of Azerbaijan Ma’sum Ibrahimov, Austrian musicologist Denis Mete, Azerbaijan International Maqam Centre Director Sohib Pashazoda, and French ethnomusicologist Margaret Desheno, along with distinguished cultural ambassadors and researchers from Kuwait, Morocco, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Korea, and several other countries.
The forum programme features a wide range of cultural and academic activities, including a grand opening ceremony, an international maqam performance competition, scientific conferences, masterclasses, intercultural dialogue sessions, media briefings, and cultural excursions across Namangan Region.
On June 23, the forum will officially open following a press conference for domestic and international media. June 24 will feature the international conference titled “New Trends in Eastern Maqam: The Relationship Between Tradition and Innovation,” alongside the Intercultural Dialogue Forum of SCO Member States and the commencement of the international competition.
Activities on June 25 include a republican scientific conference for young researchers focusing on maqam traditions and youth, continuation of the international conference and competition, a media briefing, and performances by foreign artistic ensembles during the International Flower Festival at Babur Culture and Recreation Park.
The forum will conclude on June 26 with an awards ceremony honoring the winners of the international competition and the official closing ceremony.
Competitors from 18 countries will perform before an international jury comprising experts from Azerbaijan, France, Türkiye, Serbia, Kuwait, Canada, and Uzbekistan.
The Organizing Committee has announced attractive cash prizes for winners, including a Grand Prix of USD 15,000, while first-place winners in both solo and ensemble categories will each receive USD 10,000. Second-place winners will receive USD 7,000, and third-place winners USD 5,000 in their respective categories.
Additional honorary awards will recognize excellence in categories such as Best Maqam Singer, Best Maqam Instrumentalist, Best Maqam Master, Best Maqam Promoter, Best Young Maqam Performer, and Best Maqam Composer. All participants will receive official certificates recognizing their participation in the III International Maqam Art Forum.
The forum is expected to further strengthen international cultural cooperation while showcasing Uzbekistan’s commitment to preserving and promoting the centuries-old traditions of Eastern maqam music on the global stage.
