Uzbek Culture in France: KIUT Participates in the International OUZH’ BREIZH Festival
Uzbek plov, traditional arts, and the spirit of hospitality took center stage at an international cultural festival in France, offering visitors a taste of Uzbekistan’s rich cultural heritage.
Kimyo International University in Tashkent (KIUT) showcased Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage, traditional arts, and culinary traditions at the international OUZH’ BREIZH Festival, held in La Chapelle-Bouëxic, in the Brittany region of France.
The university was represented by Kamoladdin Saidov, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Construction and Art, who introduced festival participants to Uzbekistan’s traditional craftsmanship, national cuisine, and centuries-old customs of hospitality.
One of the festival’s most memorable highlights was the preparation of traditional Uzbek plov in specially designed cooking cauldrons featuring KIUT’s name and branding. Prepared by Kamoladdin Saidov, the dish was served to French guests, giving them an opportunity not only to taste Uzbek cuisine but also to experience the cooking process firsthand.
For Uzbek people, plov is far more than a traditional dish. It represents hospitality, togetherness, and the importance of sharing a meal. In recognition of its cultural significance, the culture and traditions associated with Uzbek plov were inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016.
The festival also featured examples of Uzbek traditional applied arts, introducing international visitors to the country's artistic heritage and craftsmanship.
The significance of such events extends beyond showcasing national cuisine and art. Cultural festivals create opportunities for dialogue, mutual understanding, and stronger connections between people from different backgrounds.
KIUT’s participation in the festival in France demonstrated how universities can contribute to international cultural exchange, representing their countries not only through education and research but also by sharing their national heritage with the world.
