University of Washington
23rd Annual Nicholas Poppe Symposium on Central/Inner Asian Studies
Saturday, May 7, 2011
8:30 am to 6 pm
Place: Denny Hall 215 A
Papers on the topic of
“Central Asia and Mongolia: Twenty Years of Independence”
As a school boy I liked to walk around ancient mausoleums, makhallas and various historical sites around Osh, Uzgen, Andijan and Namangan. I used to listen to the stories of aqsaqals, their interpretation of history and their explanations of national and Islamic traditions and rituals. I took it for granted that everyone around me knew those stories and that the aqsaqals and chals (word for an older person in Kyrgyz) would be around forever, slowly drinking their tea in chaikhanas or just sitting on the benches in front of the historical monuments.
A round table with the National Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan for UNESCO took place in Baku on July 29.
UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova attended the event. A Chairman of the National Commission, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov delivered an opening speech at the round table. He emphasized close relations between Azerbaijan and UNESCO and said UNESCO Good Will Ambassador and First Lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva had attached great importance to the relations with this organization.
Minister of Culture and Tourism Abulfas Garayev said Baku would host a forum dedicated to the dialogue between the cultures next April and heads of states, ministries and organizations, as well as famous cultural figures were expected to attend this event.
UNESCO will support the forum held under the auspices of President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva.
Irina Bokova said UNESCO was protecting traditions, languages and cultural heritages of the countries.
Community based tourism (CBT) is the practice of providing natural, value-packed travel services that utilize local accommodation, food, music, art, crafts and traditions. CBT is an excellent value and travel experience that supports rational and sustainable development. CBT gives travelers authentic visits inside homes, villages and heritages while delivering proceeds directly to the families that visitors stay with and buy from. Continue reading