October 8, in Tashkent, at the Palace of Arts “Turkistan” a gala evening of the Tatar language, culture and art, dedicated to the Day of Tatarstan and the 25th anniversary of Independence of Uzbekistan, as part of “Uzbekistan is our common home” a national festival took place. The evening was organized by the Tatar public cultural and educational center (TPCEC) of Tashkent with the support of the Republican International Cultural Center (RICC) of Uzbekistan, Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Delegation of Rossotrudnichestvo and Tatarstan Representative Office in Uzbekistan.

The ceremony in Tashkent was attended by representatives of the authorities of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Republic of Tatarstan delegation, representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in

Tashkent, the national-cultural centers of the republic, representatives of the media, intellectuals, young people and compatriots.

Welcoming remarks and congratulations to the gathering were made by Deputy Director of the Republican International Cultural Center (RICC) of Uzbekistan S.A. Mironov, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Uzbekistan V.L. Tyurdenev, First Deputy Chairman of the Executive Committee of the International Union of Public Associations “World Congress Tatars “(WCT) D.F. Shakirov, representative of the Republic of Tatarstan in the Republic of Uzbekistan R. Shakirov, Chairman of the Council of elders TOKPTS Tashkent Giniyatullin RA, Chairman of the Board of Tashkent TPCEC A.D. Nabiullin

D.F. Shakirov congratulated compatriots on Day of Tatarstan and handed over letters of thanks of WCT, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan and gifts to chairman and activists of TPCEC Tashkent. For activities aimed at the preservation and development of national culture, customs, traditions, the language of Tatar people, the consolidation of the nation were awarded: S.V. Shakirov S.V.. Kasymbekov A.B., Kovtunova KM, E.A. Tukhvatullina, Khisamova P Z, Mavlyudova N.M.

In his speech, Deputy Director of the International Cultural Centre of Uzbekistan Mironov S.A. stressed that many thousands of Tatar Diaspora make a worthy contribution to the development and prosperity of Uzbekistan, strengthening of interethnic peace and accord in the country. Russian Ambassador Tyurdenev V.L. in his speech pointed out a leading role of the Republic of Tatarstan in all areas of economic, social and cultural life of the Russian Federation, as well as the active role of the Tatar community centers in the maintenance and preservation of cultural traditions among compatriots in Uzbekistan.

Speakers also noted that in Uzbekistan respect for language, culture, customs and traditions of all nationalities and ethnic groups living on its territory is ensured, creating favorable conditions for their development, provides opportunities for the implementation of national spiritual and cultural needs.

After the official part of the evening a big concert program took place, in which the guests from Kazan – People’s Artist of the Republic of Tatarstan Ferdinand (Fathi) Fattrahmanov, Honored Artist of the Republic of Tatarstan Gulshat Imamieva performed.

Spectators also were pleased with the art of popular artists in Uzbekistan of Tatar song and dance groups,

The evening ended with performance of the Tatar nation anthem “Tugan Tel”.

The event was covered by the State TV and Radio Company of Uzbekistan.

Guests of Kazan toured the sights of Tashkent, presented letters of thanks from the Republic of Tatarstan Representative Office in Uzbekistan and gifts from TPCEC of Tashkent for participation in the event.