CA-NEWS (UZ) - Very soon, on May 8-9, Khiva - the heart of Khorezm oasis - will host Asrlar sadosi (Echo of ages) Traditional Culture Festival, a grand collaborative project of the Fund Forum and UNESCO, which will present the entire diversity of Uzbek national traditions and customs, applied art, unique oral and nonmaterial legacy of Uzbekistan., the website of Fund Forum reported.

Asrlar sadosi Festival is held annually in different regions of Uzbekistan, and features specialists, scientists and international guests as participants. Starting its route in 2008 in Shakhrisabz, the homeland of Tamerlane, and going through 2200-year-old Tashkent last year, the Festival caravan has now reached Khiva, the pearl of the Amu Darya.

Khiva, a treasure hidden within the red sands of Kyzylkum Desert, has a history that spans 2,500 years and is one of the crucial centres of the Great Silk Road. The architectural monuments in Khiva, a city that has rightfully been named a "museum-city", are among the world's most unique sites. Nowadays Khiva offers an impeccable idea of what a Central Asian town would like in the middle ages, with its minarets and domes reminiscent of decorations from the "Arabian Nights". Efforts by artists, builders and decorators over the past few centuries have helped to preserve the authentic image of Khiva and lent it an air of eternity.

The third Traditional Culture Festival will take place in Ichan-Qala, the most ancient part of Khiva, surrounded by walls which have fallen and risen again several times throughout history. Ichan-Qala is a sort of architectural and artistic storehouse as well as a residential place with almost 26 hectares and 2,200 metres of fortifications rising up to 8 metres in height. No city offers an entire part of shakhristan as well preserved as Ichan-Qala in Khiva. No wonder Ichan-Qala complex is among UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The Festival Programme will include, as in previous events, popular merrymaking, performances by folk groups, decorative and applied art fairs, National Dress Festival, scientific presentations and master classes by local historians and art critics.