In commemoration of 20 years of establishment of diplomatic ties between Uzbekistan and Japan in the Gallery of Visual Art has been organized an exhibition displaying unique monuments of Buddhism, discovered during archeological excavations in various regions of Uzbekistan.

Territory of Uzbekistan, as one of the cradles of civilization, for many centuries was the heart for major historical events, ethnic processes, place of formation of various cultures and religious outlooks. Its picturesque regions keeping mysteries of thousands of years always drew the attention of scholars-researchers, historians and archeologists. As a result of numerous archeological excavations there have been discovered valuable historical monuments and documents elucidating the course of the world history. Similar scientific research works go on thus far.

It is known that in the antiquity in the ancient state of Bactria, located in the territory of the present Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Afghanistan between mountain ranges Hindu Kush in the south and Farghona Valley in the north, there was spread the Buddhism came from India. It served the rise for joint works of Uzbek and Japanese scholar-archeologists, during which there were exposed interesting historical data. “Our cooperation with the Japanese archeologists counts many years,” says the Candidate of History, archeologist Bakhodir Turghunov. “For detailed study of the Buddhist culture it is necessary to know its real history, study its dissemination not only in India, but in Central Asia, China, Japan, that is follow the trace of Buddhism. Our joint research works in this sphere is in progress even today, however we have got weighty results.”

Monuments of Buddhist culture have been found in the south of Uzbekistan where many centuries ago one of the great states of the ancient world, the Kushan Empire, reigned.

Cave-ground temples were located here, as well as centuries-old constructions in Airtam, Dalvarzintepa and Zartepa. There was discovered wall-painting, sculpture, numismatics and ceramics attesting the existence of the Buddhist culture. Important historical excavations were made in Termiz, Surkhondaryo region, where the ancient town Tarmita was located. Researchers consider that Buddhism came to China and Far East through Central Asia. “Most facts show that Buddhism came to Japan through Central Asia and China. It means that Uzbekistan is the home place of our ancient culture. Uzbek and Japan peoples know about these historical ties between our countries. We believe the cultural and scientific cooperation between Uzbekistan and Japan will develop successfully,” says the first secretary of the Embassy of Japan in Uzbekistan Tsuyoshi Kurihara.

The exhibition The Buddhist Heritage of Uzbekistan has become the result of stubborn archeological researches and presented its visitors with unique monuments of the past. Mainly, it is sculptural products created by craftspeople of the ancient Bactria. Articles were made on the basis of principles of pictorial forms of the Buddhist art with inclusion of some elements from the unique art of Central Asia. (Source: Uzbekistan Today Newspaper)