Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The closing ceremony of the XIII International Music Festival of Eastern Songs took place in Samarkand.

During the event, the organizers awarded the winners with diplomas, statuettes, and cash prizes.

The Grand Prix of the festival and a prize of US$10,000 were awarded to the Azerbaijani music group Simurg.

The first place was secured by the national music ensemble Turkmenistan, which received a certificate for US$5,000.

Second place was shared by:

- The Kazakh music group Atameken

- Alisher Akhmedov and Fazilat Akhmedova together with the "Maqom Band"

- The National Classical Ensemble of the State Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan

Each received a check for US$3,500.

Third place was awarded to:

- Mongolian singer Batbayar Batnyam

- Japanese soloist Masu Kamazaki

- Russian music ensemble Northern Choir

Each was awarded a certificate for US$2,000.

Special nominations also included awards and cash prizes of US$500 for categories such as "Youngest Participant," "Best Participant Recognized by Fans," "Best Instrumental Music Performer," and others.