The city of Kulyab may become the cultural capital of the Islamic world in 2024. It was proposed by representatives of the World Islamic Organization for Education, Science and Culture.
In total, there are 54 cities in the nominees from different countries. Why did they choose Kulyab in Tajikistan and what should the applicant city have, says Zarina Abdunazarova, correspondent of MIR 24.
In order to hear yourself and correctly control your voice, you need to put one hand to your ear. For the falaka, or as it is called, the melodies of the mountains are a tradition. This genre is inextricably linked with Kulyab.
“Falak is pain, wisdom and happiness. People with him forget their hardships, express feelings. I chose this genre for its soulfulness,” says falak performer Saidkhoshim Makhsiddinov.
This is a style in which songs are sung to the sky. This is how falak is translated from Tajik. The voice of the performer is called crying, no matter what he sings – whether it is pain or joy.
Falak is inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List, as is Chakan. This is another one of the visiting cards of Kulyab, which is considered its homeland. Not just a dress with patterns, but an ornament-wish and charm. Some historians attribute it to the period of Zoroastrianism and associate it with the cult of the sun. Therefore, more often, a red canvas is chosen as the basis.
“Circles are the sun, earth, sky and the small weaves of life. There is a lot of white here, because this is the hope for light. Red is a sign of fire to drive away evil spirits,” explained Nazira Naimova, an embroiderer.
Another important monument of the city is the mausoleum of the 14th century Persian poet, philosopher and thinker Mir Said Ali Hamadoni. Now it is a place of pilgrimage.
Kulyab was located at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road and had strong trade and economic ties with the countries of the East and West. Merchants specially stopped here to buy products of embroiderers, potters and jewelers. Ancient, bright, colorful. It was for these qualities that Kulyab was proposed as a candidate for the title of Cultural Capital of the Islamic World.
“This in itself is the recognition of Kulyab at the international level. This will attract a large number of tourists to this city, region and in general to the republic. At the same time, this allows improving the infrastructure of Kulyab. Once again, our country will prove that it is ancient, with an ancient history,” said Muhammadjon Nabotov, chief specialist of the historical heritage protection department of the Ministry of Culture of Tajikistan.
Whether Kulyab will become the capital of Islamic culture in 2024 will be known in early summer. If the issue is resolved positively, then the city will have this status for five years.
Recall that in 2010 Dushanbe was declared the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World.