Uzbekistan’s Independence Day Celebrated with Music, Dancing
By Elaine Pasquini
Photos by Phil Pasquini
Washington: In celebration of Uzbekistan’s Independence Day, the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the United States and the Central Asia Program of the Elliott School of International Affairs co-hosted a concert on the campus of George Washington University on September 7, 2023.
During the 19th century, Uzbekistan, along with all of Central Asia was gradually incorporated into the Russian Empire, which became the Soviet Union in 1922. With the break-up of the USSR in 1991, the Supreme Soviet of the Uzbek SSR declared itself independent on August 31 of that year, renaming the country the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan boasts a storied history dating back to the Scythians in the sixth century BCE. Over the centuries, cities such as Samarkand, Khiva and Bukhara were prosperous trading centers along the route that became known as the “Silk Road.”
In opening remarks to the guests, Furqat Sidiqov, Uzbekistan’s ambassador to the United States, stated this was a special occasion because, among other reasons, he was reuniting with SAFO musical ensemble leader, Toir Asqar, an old schoolmate of his from Uzbekistan. The ambassador related that the two attended classes together in Tashkent, including music class, but noted their careers ultimately went in different directions.
Award-winning Uzbek vocalist, Sabina Mustaeva, and the Uzbek national musical ensemble SAFO entertained the enthusiastic audience of all ages. The 23-year-old Sabina mesmerized the audience with her exquisite rendition of the jazz classics “At Last” and “A-Tiskat, A-Tasket,” made famous by the late, great American vocalist Ella Fitzgerald.
Sabina began singing as a child in Tashkent after being inspired by her grandfather, Bulat Mustaeva, a professional jazz saxophonist who was among the first musicians to introduce the genre to Uzbekistan. He instilled in her a love of music which she pursues with a passion.
The SAFO ensemble began performing as a group in 2008. Toir Asqar, the group’s founder and soloist, is an accomplished musician who holds the title “Honored Artist of Uzbekistan.”
The evening concluded with most of the attendees, including the ambassador, stepping onto the dance floor in joyous celebration of their Independence Day.
(Elaine Pasquini is a freelance journalist. Her reports appear in the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs and Nuze.Ink.)
