The Second Festival of Young Poets of the Turkic World took place in the cities of Shusha and Aghdam, Uzbekistan. This forum was organized with the assistance of the TURKSOY Foundation and the Ministry of Culture of Uzbekistan as part of the traditional 'Vakif Poetry Days'.
At the main events held in the center of Aghdam, young poets from Turkic states presented samples of their work to the general public. The festival aims to strengthen dialogue among young creators, preserve the common heritage of Turkic peoples, and form a unified literary space for the Turkic world. It is planned to include the most brilliant poems from the festival in a special anthology.
Participants praised love for the Motherland, shared history, brotherhood, and spiritual unity of Turkic peoples in their works. Listeners were particularly interested in poems by Uzbek authors about the historical and cultural sites of their native country. Young poets also paid close attention to the legacy of great literary figures such as Alisher Navoi and Zakir ad-Din Muhammad Babur.
Delegations from the countries held meetings with representatives of brotherly nations, including the Writers' Union, as well as with representatives of Turkic states. During these discussions, the possibility of holding similar forums in Uzbekistan was discussed. At the solemn closing ceremony, participants were awarded official certificates and honorary diplomas from TURKSOY for their contribution to the development of Turkic world literature.
Overall, the Second Festival of Young Poets of the Turkic World is recognized as an important international platform for strengthening cultural and literary cooperation between brotherly peoples, providing constant support to young creators, and passing on the common spiritual heritage to future generations.
Events named 'Book Reading Hour' are held regularly. Reading books helps develop a person's thinking, enriches their spiritual world, and creates a solid foundation for achieving high results in professional activities.
The Sirdarya–Zarafshon Reservoir Systems management, operating in the city of Jizkazh, regularly organizes 'Book Reading Hour' events. The goal of these events is to increase the culture of book-loving among employees, strengthen interest in reading, and reinforce the spiritual and educational environment.
During a recent training session, employees of the central management apparatus reviewed fiction, popular science, and spiritual literature, as well as current articles, newspapers, and magazines published in republican and online editions. During the study of the works, their meaning and essence were discussed, opinions were expressed regarding the life ideas, scientific views, and moral values presented in the books.
Such events not only enhance the intellectual potential of employees but also contribute to developing critical thinking skills, broadening horizons, strengthening moral qualities, and performing official duties more effectively. It is especially important that creating a culture of book-loving plays a key role in fostering a desire for knowledge, self-improvement, and a culture of constant seeking within the collective.
The development of book-loving among the population, especially youth and workers, is supported at the state policy level. An important legal basis is the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated January 15, 2026, 'On Measures to Develop the Culture of Book-Loving and Increase Public Interest in Reading.' This document defines broad objectives aimed at increasing the level of book-loving among the population during the 2026–2030 period, widely promoting reading, establishing a fund for the development of book-loving culture, supporting the best national and foreign literature, and turning reading into a lifestyle.
Within the framework of fulfilling these tasks, the scope of spiritual and educational projects, reading hours, and literary meetings aimed at popularizing book-loving in state and public organizations, educational institutions, and labor collectives is constantly growing. The 'Book Reading Hour' event held by the Sirdarya–Zarafshon Reservoir Systems management is one of the initiatives aligned with these noble goals.
These events, aimed at encouraging book-loving, increasing interest in reading, and strengthening a healthy spiritual environment in the management, continue to be held consistently, serving to enhance the intellectual and spiritual potential of the staff. Thus, reading books continues to strengthen its significance as an important factor in educating knowledgeable, well-informed, and highly responsible specialists.
As part of the reforms being carried out in New Uzbekistan, one of the priority areas has been attention to the individual, care for their dignity and health. Thanks to comprehensive support and the provision of targeted social services to people with disabilities, lonely elderly citizens, and those in need of assistance, their quality of life is improving.
A vivid example of such positive changes is demonstrated by the story of one family in the Kogon district of Bukhara region. In the village of Kogon mahalla, where more than three thousand people live, there are 70 people with disabilities, 4 people with disabilities requiring constant care, and two lonely elderly people.
The mahalla's social worker, Nodirbek Khamidov, individually studied the needs of each of these citizens and provided them with targeted social assistance and services.
One such person is Turaqul Bobo Botirov. This elderly man, who suffered a stroke several years ago, was unable to get out of bed for a long time. This difficult ordeal changed not only his life but also that of his wife, Sharofat opa Narziyeva, who cared for Turaqul Bobo with love and patience for years.
After a comprehensive study of the family's social situation, the mahalla's social worker included Turaqul Bobo in the list of lonely elderly citizens and provided him with social and domestic services at home under the 'Active Life' program.
Under this program, Turaqul Bobo regularly underwent in-depth medical examinations, and his hospitalization in sanatorium and health resorts for health recovery was organized. Rehabilitation procedures conducted under the supervision of specialists played an important role in restoring his health.
Material support for the family was also not overlooked. A one-time financial aid was provided on the occasion of the autumn-winter season and the Ramadan holiday, which helped ensure the family's daily needs and improve their living conditions.
The most joyful result was that the provided medical and social services proved to be more effective than expected. Turaqul Bobo, who was previously completely confined to bed, has now started walking independently, strictly following the doctors' recommendations. Every step he takes is a testament to the success of the efforts of his loved ones and the people who helped him.
This case confirms the truth: if a person is given care, attention, and targeted help, even the most difficult trials can be overcome. The recovery of one person's health brings a smile to the whole family and revives hope in its heart.
These good deeds carried out in the Kogon mahalla clearly show that the social protection system serves not only to provide assistance but also to return a person to an active life. Turaqul Bobo's life journey is a bright and instructive example that when love, care, and state attention are combined, results comparable to a miracle can be achieved.
In the Syrdarya region, two young people who stand out due to their active participation in social life, contributing to the country's development and working in youth policy, were awarded one of the high state decorations—the 'Uzbekistan Badge'.
The awardees are Yorqinjon Hayitboev, who is an advisor on promoting book-loving in the Youth Union of Uzbekistan, and Shuhratjon Hasanov, press secretary of the Syrdarya region Youth Affairs Department. Both representatives are heads of the initial institution of the Youth Union of Guliston State University and the Syrdarya region Youth Affairs Department, respectively.
The governor of the Syrdarya region, Erkinjon Turdimov, presented the badges of distinction at the solemn ceremony and personally congratulated the awardees on this high recognition. It was emphasized that this award is a practical expression of encouragement for youth who demonstrate activity in state and public activities, contribute to improving the spiritual and educational environment, promote reading culture, and ensure the interests of youth in the country's development.
One of the awardees, Yorqinjon Hayitboev, shared his feelings, noting that this day became one of the happiest and most unforgettable days of his life. He called receiving the 'Uzbekistan Badge' a great honor and a great responsibility. He expressed gratitude to his teachers, parents, colleagues, and all loved ones for the high evaluation of his work. He also stated that this recognition will inspire him to continue working with great enthusiasm on promoting reading culture among youth and increasing their intellectual and spiritual potential to justify the trust placed in him.
