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Askiya, the art of wit marks_1
  • Manage No, Sortation, Country, Writer ,Date, Copyright
    Manage No EE00001071
    Country Uzbekistan
    ICH Domain Performing Arts
    Address
    Fergana Valley regions
    Year of Designation 2011
Description Askiya (in Arabic – “azkiya”, literally means “witty”, “resourceful”) is an original genre of folk-spectacular art, and oral folk creativity, which evolved and became widespread in the Ferghana Valley and Tashkent region. As a result of continuous evolution it achieved the level of art. Askiya is an original eloquence and witticism contest organized between two or more people around particular topic or theme (which is called by askiya performers as payrov). In so doing, askiya performers use simple words in different meanings and for different purposes. They joke open-heartedly and in a friendly manner, laugh at some unusual situations and flaws observed or run across in the daily life of their contemporaries. Not to offend his rival the performer (askiyachi or askiyaboz) has to use carefully and skillfully each word and phrase during askiya. At present more than thirty forms of askiya are known. These include payrov, qofiya, radif, bakhribayt, tutal, okhshatdim, afsona, rabbiya, safsata, chiston, laqab, gulmisiz, bulasizmi, shirinkor and terma. Although, each of the above-mentioned forms conform to common requirements peculiar to askiya art genre, still each has its own distinguishing features.
Social and cultural significance Starting from the second half of the XX century askiya became the type of art, which was began to be performed onstage. Traditions associated with Askiya are nowadays preserved and promoted by collectives and groups of askiyachi in Qoqand Margilan, Khanabod, Asaka and Qarasu. Askiya is the result of a talent in applying necessary and appropriate words, which is coupled with a quick response in the process of dialogue. Askiya is a spiritual treasure house, which reflects not only the way of thinking and worldviews of Uzbek peoples, but also their social relations. It is the type of Uzbek humor, which is inextricably intertwined with social traditions. It is a genre, in which life observations manifest themselves. As such, askiya holds great value in demonstrating language- and culture-related peculiarities of Uzbeks. In order to safeguard and promote askiya art the following measures are undertaken: organization of competitions and festivals of askiya performers; preparation of TV programmes; production of films; holding "Askiya evenings" (in Tashkent, Margilan and Khonobod); publication of books and collections; carrying out scientific studies, etc. Nowadays, the traditions associated with askiya are mastered based on "ustoz-shogird" ("master-apprentice") traditional methodology. In addition, relevant knowledge about this genre is introduced to the educational process of Institute of Arts and Culture of Uzbekistan. It has been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2014.
Transmission method Askiya is promoted by askiya schools, in which transmission of related knowledge and skills are based on “ustoz-shogird” (master-apprentice) traditions.
Community Ferghana, Margilan, Qoqand cities, and Qoshtepa and Uchkoprik districts of Ferghana region; in Qarasuv, Khanabad, Asaka cities and Balikchi district of Andijan region.
Type of UNESCO List Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Incribed year in UNESCO List 2014
Keyword
Information source
Republican Scientific-Methodical Center for Organization of Culture Institutions Activity
http://www.folklore.uz

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