Plov, wrestling, concert: Uzbekistan’s 34th Independence anniversary widely celebrated in Turkey

Uzbekistan’s Independence Day is being celebrated across many parts of the world, spanning from Russia to Turkey, from Korea to overseas countries. What makes these festivities especially meaningful is that they are organized primarily for Uzbek citizens temporarily working abroad.

In cooperation with Uzbekistan’s diplomatic missions, the Migration Agency has been arranging cultural events abroad to share the spirit of Independence Day with Uzbeks living overseas. One such celebration took place in Ankara, Turkey, where the Migration Agency and Uzbekistan’s Embassy organized a festive event for Uzbeks engaged in temporary labor activities in the capital.

The program, dedicated to the 34th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence, consisted of two stages. The first featured four types of sporting competitions: football, traditional Uzbek wrestling (Milliy kurash), sprint races, and tug-of-war.

During the event, it was noted that Uzbek wrestling is gaining significant popularity in Turkey, with Uzbeks working in Ankara playing a leading role in its promotion. This demonstrates that, despite their work commitments, Uzbek migrants in Ankara are finding time to engage in sports activities they enjoy, supported by the necessary conditions created for them.

“Today marks the 34th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence, and I wholeheartedly congratulate you on this occasion. May the Almighty grant the entire Uzbek people a meaningful and prosperous life. We also love and value the Uzbek people as our brothers. At present, there is growing demand for wrestling in Turkey. Since wrestling is our national and ancient martial art, athletes prefer to practice it. Once they realize its effectiveness, the passion to engage in it comes naturally from the heart. Although Turkey does not yet have a dedicated wrestling federation, preparations are underway to establish one. We are mobilizing our efforts and enthusiasm to make this happen, while our experienced coaches are already conducting training sessions across the country. Through such efforts, we are helping to spread wrestling worldwide”, the Turkish wrestling coach Nihat Oba said.

After the sports competitions concluded, the winners were awarded various gifts by the Migration Agency and the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Ankara. The sporting events became a particularly memorable part of the celebration. Despite being held at different venues, Uzbek women in Turkey actively supported their fellow countrymen during the competitions. They shared that they had long awaited such initiatives, expressed joy that Uzbekistan’s Independence Day spirit had reached Turkey, and did not hide the emotions they experienced during the festivities.

“Thank you for honoring us by organizing such a celebration here in Turkey. I am grateful to the staff of the Migration Agency and the Embassy. Every time I see the Uzbek flag, I cannot hold back tears of longing for my homeland. Today, celebrating our Independence together in Ankara, united as one, has been truly special”, Uzbek citizen Zamira Khalilova said.

In the second half of the day, the celebration continued with a festive banquet and a concert program. Talented artists invited from Uzbekistan, along with chefs brought in especially for the occasion, delighted the Uzbek community in Ankara. At the close of the event, organizers pledged to continue sharing the same spirit and warmth with Uzbek citizens abroad, particularly in Turkey, during future national celebrations.

“We have brought a piece of the spirit of Independence’s 34th anniversary here to Turkey. Everyone is happy and satisfied, and people themselves acknowledge this. We plan to continue holding such festive events in the future. Our next plans include not only celebrating Independence Day but also organizing Navruz in a similar way to lift the spirits of Uzbeks temporarily working in Ankara”, Matlub Kuranov, Deputy Director of the Migration Agency, said.

QALAMPIR.UZ covered every detail of these celebrations.

You can watch the video report about the 34th Independence Day celebration held in Ankara on QALAMPIR.UZ’s YouTube channel and across our social media platforms.