The key facts

  • Afghan Uzbeks in Philadelphia (Pennsylvania, USA) gathered for a native language holiday.
  • Indiana University professor Nazif Shahrani gave a lecture on the history of Afghan Uzbeks and Turkmens and the significance of the language.
  • Artists Farhod Daryo, Khair Muhammad Chovush and Said Kabir Kamol performed; guests recited poems, and there was an exhibition of dishes and traditional clothing.

Language holiday in Philadelphia

Philadelphia (Pennsylvania, USA) is home to many Uzbeks from Afghanistan. According to Kun.uz, most of them have never lived in Uzbekistan but are Uzbek by nationality. Afghan Uzbeks actively celebrate Uzbek holidays, especially the language holiday, and this year dozens of people gathered for the event dedicated to it in the city.

Lecture on the history of Afghan Turks

As Kun.uz correspondent in the USA reported, Indiana University professor Nazif Shahrani gave a lecture at the event on the history of the Turks of Afghanistan, in particular the Uzbek and Turkmen peoples. He spoke about the importance of preserving the Uzbek language and its role in preserving historical and cultural identity.

Concert, poetry and national cuisine

In the artistic part, famous Afghan artist Farhod Daryo performed Uzbek songs. He noted the role of art and music in uniting people, the importance of respectful attitudes toward the language and cultural diversity, as well as the need to strengthen public solidarity. Artists Khair Muhammad Chovush and Said Kabir Kamol also performed on stage. From children to women, guests recited poems and ghazals in their native language. As part of the event, an exhibition of Uzbek national dishes and traditional clothing was organized, and at the end of the program guests were treated to national dishes and held informal conversations in Uzbek.

Significance of the holiday

According to the publication, by widely celebrating the native language holiday in the USA, Afghan Uzbeks express deep respect for their people and its language.