On April 12, 2024, the prestigious "Arirang Master" award ceremony took place at the K. Moldobasanov Conservatory in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The event honored two influential cultural figures: Namazbek Uraliev and Asel Kalkanova. The award is presented by the International Advisory Board of Culture Masters, which is non-governmental cultural organization based in South Korea. Culture Masters (www.culturemasters.org) is dedicated to fostering new cultural initiatives, promoting sustainable cultural development, and mentoring future generations of cultural leaders.

From left to right: Dinara Chochunbaeva, Asel Kalkanova, Namazbek Uraliev, Aijarkyn Kojobekova and Aitkeeva Meerim (CRC Aigine). Photo courtesy of the event organizer.

The ceremony opened with a warm welcome from Akylbek Kasaboltov, head of the Department of Traditional Music and Folk Instruments. He expressed his honor in collaborating with the talented komuz virtuoso Namazbek Uraliev. Aijarkyn Kojobekova, a Kyrgyz expert and member of the International Advisory Board of Culture Masters, spoke about the program's importance and impact.

Prof. Aijarkyn Kojobekova, Honorable IAB Member, presenting the importance of the Arirang Master Program on behalf of Culture Masters. Photo courtesy of the event organizer.

Attendees were treated to a mesmerizing performance by Namazbek Uraliev, who played the captivating melody of "Kambarkan" on the komuz. His exceptional mastery of the instrument enchanted the audience. Asel Kalkanova also dazzled spectators with her fashion show, showcasing her stunning and innovative designs.

Congratulations to Namazbek Uraliev and Asel Kalkanova for their outstanding achievements and well-deserved recognition as recipients of the distinguished title of "Arirang Master."

Participants in the awarding ceremony in Kyrgyzstan. Photo courtesy of the event organizer.

April 12, 2024. Contributed by Kyrgyzstan Reporter Prof. Aijarkyn Kojobekova.

Aijarkyn Kojobekova is the director of the Civil Society Initiative of the Graduate School of Development, University of Central Asia and the Member of the Culture Masters' International Advisory Board. She also serves as a national expert of Kyrgyzstan in intangible cultural heritage and the focal point of Kyrgyzstan for the UNESCO Silk Roads Online Platform. Aijarkyn is also a member of both the UNESCO Convention 2003 facilitators and the UNESCO Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific. Her research interests include cultural heritage, social/cultural memory studies, nationalism and nation-building processes, gender issues, political implications of religion and the sacred, and civil society and CSOs in Kyrgyzstan. She published several books and articles, most recently Intangible Cultural Heritage on the Silk Roads: Handbook Toolkit for Teachers with UNESCO Almaty Cluster Offices for Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Arirang Culture Connect Aijarkyn Kojobekova akojobekova@gmail.com Aijarkyn Kojobekova의 기사 더보기

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