Uzbekistan used its 35th independence anniversary in Tashkent to present a future-focused national narrative through drones, music, and a ceremony attended by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Earlier, Tashkent and Samarkand hosted an international media forum on Islamic civilization, media, and digital storytelling. The events highlighted Uzbekistan’s effort to link its historical heritage with modernization, education, and international media outreach.
Sherzod Asadov, press secretary to Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, delivers a speech during the opening ceremony of International Media Forum, "Islamic Civilization: A New Perspective — New Discoveries," at the Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Aug. 24. Korea Times photo by Shim Jae-yun
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan — As the last light faded over New Tashkent on Friday, hundreds of drones rose into the sky, forming moving images for a celebration of Uzbekistan's 35th anniversary of independence.
Music swept across the open-air venue. Uzbek dancers and musicians shared the stage with international stars, including British soprano Sarah Brightman, Italian tenor Alessandro Safina and Spanish tenor José Carreras. Giant 3D projections, robotics, lighting effects and an aerial display turned the evening into a carefully choreographed mixture of history, technology and spectacle.
