Cultural Exhibition Held in Balkh to Honor Uzbek Language, Heritage

The Department of Information and Culture of Balkh province, in collaboration with a group of local youth, organized a cultural exhibition celebrating the Uzbek language and heritage, The Caspian Post informs via The Cabul Times.

The event, held in Mazar-e-Sharif, featured scholars, poets, professors, and cultural figures who highlighted the historic and social significance of the Uzbek language in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Information and Culture said in a statement on Saturday.

Addressing the exhibition, Mawlavi Mohammadullah Zarar, Head of the Balkh Department of Information and Culture, said that the Uzbek language is not merely a means of communication but a vital part of the cultural and historical identity of the Uzbek community in Afghanistan.

He reaffirmed the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to promoting all ethnic groups, languages, and cultures across the country, ensuring their preservation and development.

Prof. Dr. Mohammad Saleh Rasekh, a lecturer at Balkh University, delivered a scholarly analysis of the Uzbek language’s role in Afghanistan, describing it as one of the richest and most literary languages in the region.

“Throughout history, Uzbek has played an influential role in literature, mysticism, politics, and science, with eminent figures like Ali-Shir Nava’i standing as symbols of its intellectual depth and cultural legacy,” the statement quoted him as saying.

The organizers said the goal of the program was to encourage youth to learn, speak, and write in Uzbek and to strengthen cultural unity among Afghans.

The event also included a special cultural exhibition showcasing traditional paintings, calligraphy, and local Uzbek cuisine, offering visitors a glimpse into the vibrant artistic and culinary traditions of the Uzbek community.

Participants praised the initiative as an effective way to promote interethnic harmony and to honor Afghanistan’s linguistic and cultural diversity.