A special issue of OCA Magazine dedicated to Jizzakh has been published in London. In the pages of the first issue of OCA Magazine: Jizzakh, writers from Uzbekistan, the United Kingdom, the United States, France, India, Bulgaria and Finland addressed issues of heritage, history, economy, culture and cuisine.
Jizzakh has historically been of strategic importance to Uzbekistan, but the world at large knows very little about it. Jizzakh is the birthplace of two of the country’s leaders – Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Sharaf Rashidov – as well as a whole host of outstanding people who have contributed to the development of the entire region, from the founder of the Sajid dynasty and Hamid Alimjan to today’s famous athletes, artists and scientists.
As Uzbekistan’s rapid development under the leadership of Shavkat Mirziyoyev attracts increasing interest from other states and global markets, it is time to tell the story of one of the country’s most promising regions.
The story that graced the cover of the issue was the life of Maria Shevel (Akhmedjanova) and her contribution to shaping the architectural appearance of Jizzak and the operating sanatorium of the same name in the Zaamin National Reserve, which has long since become the national card of the region.
“I really enjoyed the article about Maria Akhmedjanova and her achievements in Jizzakh! She is a fantastic role model for Uzbek girls and women today, especially in science, technology, engineering, and math. I hope Uzbekistan benefits from her example and that she continues to inspire future generations. The OCA Magazine is an excellent way to introduce people to Uzbekistan and Central Asia. I enjoyed reading it very much!” – Jonas Astrup (Head of the Uzbekistan Vision 2030 Foundation of the United Nations in Uzbekistan) shared his impressions.
The issue of the heritage of Jizzak and the famous personalities connected with it was revealed in the articles devoted to the history of the development of the Hungry Steppe, to which Sharaf Rashidov made a colossal contribution. Sharaf Rashidov’s name is associated not only with the growth of industry and the development of the region, but also with literature and art. His ‘Kashmir Song’ has received special attention. The review of this wonderful book has been written by Shishir Raj, Advocate, Supreme Court of India, New Delhi.
The special issue of OCA Magazine: Jizzakh also featured an article by Akhror Burkhanov, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, on the economic potential of this ‘hidden gem’. The theme of economic and energy development continued with an article by Oxford graduate Nick Rowan on the construction of a nuclear power plant, one of the most controversial issues.
“Uzbekistan since then (1954) has been part of developing nuclear science and power engineering technology. It has had nuclear research reactors functioning in Tashkent in Samarkand for more than half a century and has produced many experts working in these areas globally,” – British academic Dr Siddharth Saxena wrote in his commentary.
Another scientist – Alexander Kozlov, Deputy Director, General Scientific and Practical Center for Materials Science of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, PhD in Economics – emphasised: “The further development of the economy, the growth of industrial production while ensuring a high standard of living for the population is simply impossible without increasing energy capacity. As practice shows, there is no decent alternative to nuclear energy in the near future. At the same time, the so-called green energy should be a good addition.”
The issue also focuses on education as one of the key areas of development in Jizzakh Oblast. The article by Dr Pradeepa, Vice-Rector for Scientific Work at Sambhram University in Jizzakh, outlines some of the results of the development of education in Uzbekistan during the post-independence period and identifies key aspects for its further strengthening.
“It is exciting to read about further steps to develop and transform Uzbekistan’s education system, and about the development of the Higher Education Sector in Jizzakh Region. In particular, it is heartening to see such concrete results in gender parity and Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER), as well as improvements in student employability. Rigorous steps will be taken I am sure by the authorities in Jizzakh and throughout Uzbekistan to keep this momentum and lead to sustainable, long-term progress,» – Steve King Head of Education Reform, Europe and Central Asia Cambridge University Press & Assessment.
In the pages of the magazine, readers can find not only analysis of the region, but also information about incredible and little-known tourist attractions abroad, such as ancient castles or the legendary Dzhizak Samsa, as well as sports and the arts. Specialising in the region has allowed us to provide an international audience with a diverse overview of its unique features and characteristics.
“Just love this new format issue as it allows one to get an in-depth view of a region of a country in this case…” – H.E. The Hon., Lord Admiral Sir Dr. Thomas A. Cellucci commented on the publication.
The official presentation of the special issue of OCA Magazine: Jizzakh will take place in Jizzakh on 20 September as part of the international conference ‘The Literary Heritage of Sharaf Rashidov in the Context of the ‘New Uzbekistan’ Strategy’. The UK launch will take place as part of the OCA Dialogue Forum on 28-30 November in London and Greenock. The editors would like to thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Sharaf Rashidov Foundation and representatives of educational institutions in Jizzakh for their help and support in working on this issue.
