People’s Bakhshi of Uzbekistan passes away

On August 25, People’s Bakhshi of Uzbekistan and holder of the Order of El-Yurt Hurmati, Shoberdi Bakhshi Boltaev, passed away at the age of 81, the Ministry of Culture reported.

“Shoberdi Bakhshi Boltaev dedicated his life to the art of bakhshi, preserving and passing down the traditions of national epic poetry to future generations. He tirelessly memorized numerous folk epics, established a school of masters and students, nurtured young bakhshi, and introduced them to international stages. His performances earned wide recognition not only in Uzbekistan but also in neighboring countries and abroad,” the ministry stated.

Boltaev was born in 1944 in the village of Munchok, Boysun district, Surkhandarya region. In 1965, he began his career as a teacher at the eight-year school named after Nodira in his native village. Three years later, he graduated from the Faculty of Pedagogy at the Termez State Pedagogical Institute.

He became widely known for performing epics such as Alpomish, Altin Kovak, Ollanazar Olchinbek, Kuntugmish, Suluvkhon, Sanam Gawhari, Malla Savdogar, and Oyparcha, as well as selections including Dumbiram, Mehmondir, Tilar, Nima Kerak?, Bilmadi, and Oypari.

It is worth noting that earlier, People’s Artist of Uzbekistan, ballerina, dancer, teacher, and coach Gulnora Mavayeva also passed away at the age of 94.