Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The National Museum of Arts in Tashkent is housing a mobile exhibition titled “Archeological Research in Central Asia” held as part of Germany Weeks in Uzbekistan. The exhibition, which has traveled to Bukhara and Termez, consists of 50 posters with images of archeological finds, sites and participants. The exhibition has been organized by the Embassy of Germany in Uzbekistan, the Fund Forum and its partners.

“The German Archeological Institute has been running research in Central Asia for thirteen years,” says Swantje Kortemeyer, head of the Culture, Press and Protocol Department of the German Embassy in Uzbekistan. “We have seen an active exchange of participants between our two countries. This exhibition is only a part of the work that has been done by a large group of German scientists and local colleagues, serves as a good example of international cooperation. Central Asia is a bridge between civilizations. The project “Germany Weeks in Uzbekistan” wants to demonstrate not only how diverse German culture is, but also the mane aspects of German-Uzbek links. The project was initiated by a number of organizations, including the Fund Forum, which has provided considerable support to the project.”

Uzbekistan is a country with a history that spans thousands of years. Like many oriental cultures, many of Uzbekistan’s mysteries are hidden in layers of earth. It is therefore believed that Uzbekistan has caches of information and mysteries that need to be unlocked.

The Orient has throughout centuries been a center where diverse cultures have blended. The eclectic history of this region provides a unique archeological space. There is lots of room for speculation. While a lot of data has been unearthed about Samarkand and Bukhara there is still a lot more to be discovered. These cities are so ancient that what we see today is only a minor part of their histories.

In light of this, it is natural that this region, rich in history, has piqued the interest of international scientific organizations. One such organization is the German Archeological Organization (DAI). Launched on September 13, 2010, “Archeological Research in Central Asia” will tell the Uzbek public and visitors about the 50 crucial discoveries made by the Institute in our country.

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the exhibition in Tashkent, Dr. Nikolaus Boroffka of the German Archeological Institute said: “I have lived and worked in Uzbekistan for thirteen years now. Many European scholars come here in search of answers to questions posed by the science of history. Central Asia is an integral part of the centuries-old cultural and economic interaction. I’m happy to be working with Uzbek archeologists, historians, and students who have provided help during excavations. Each find matters to us. What can be seen at the exhibition is a little but the most beautiful part of our efforts”.

The exhibits are posters with explanations and comments which feature major excavations overseen by the German Archeological Institute. Visitors to the exhibition will learn of the funds unearthed in Bandikhan, Jarkutan and Kurganzola (Surkhandarya region) during research into the emergence of ancient cities and of Greco-Bactrian and Kushan Kingdoms.

“Scientific expeditions have worked in Uzbekistan since the 30’s of the past century. This has scientific and historical implications,” says academician and doctor of historical science Yuriy Buryakov (Uzbekistan). “Because the results of this archeological research come in facts and finds while it used to be that history was built on travelers’ descriptions and impressions, which were not always objective. This is why archeology provides crucial historical sources.”