Aziz Abduhakimov
Aziz Abdukhakimov | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 17, 1974 Tashkent, Uzbekistan |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Known for | Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan; Minister of Tourism and Cultural Heritage |
Aziz Abdukhakimov (; ; born 17 June 1974) serves as the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan and holds the position of Minister of Tourism and Cultural Heritage.
Biography
Aziz Abdukaharovich Abdukhakimov entered the world on June 17, 1974, in Tashkent. With a background in economics, he completed his studies at Tashkent State Economic University and pursued a master's degree at Hitotsubashi University in Japan.
Career
- 1993–1996 – Held multiple positions at Silk Road Bank.
- 1996–2004 – Served as Chief Specialist at the Central Bank of Uzbekistan; led the Tashkent branch of Berliner Bank AG; chaired the board of Uzpromstroybank.
- 2004–2008 – Directed the Finance, Economy, and Foreign Economic Relations Department within the Cabinet of Ministers.
- 2008–2012 – Chaired the State Committee for State Property Management.
- 2012–2014 – Headed the State Antimonopoly Committee.
- 2017–2018 – Led the State Committee for Tourism Development.
- 2018–2021 – Functioned as Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Education, Health, and Social Affairs.
- 2020–2021 – Reassumed chairmanship of the State Committee for Tourism Development.
- From 2021 onward – Holds dual roles as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism and Sports.
Under Abdukhakimov’s direction, efforts have concentrated on propelling Uzbekistan’s tourism industry by merging cultural heritage conservation with economic growth policies.
Contribution to the Arts and Cultural Initiatives
Aziz Abdukhakimov has played a pivotal role in promoting cultural advancement and the arts within Uzbekistan. In his capacity overseeing tourism, culture, and heritage preservation, he has initiated and championed several significant cultural endeavors.
Cultural Legacy of Uzbekistan in World Collections
This extensive project, supported by Abdukhakimov, aimed to investigate and catalog Uzbekistan’s historical artifacts housed in international museums and private collections. Its objective was to reconnect Uzbekistan with its scattered cultural assets through comprehensive catalogs, digital archives, and partnerships with global museums. The initiative has been instrumental in safeguarding and elevating awareness of Uzbekistan’s artistic and historical heritage on a worldwide scale.
Art Station in Samarkand
Launched in 2022 and rejuvenated in 2023 under Abdukhakimov’s leadership, Art Station in Samarkand serves as a multidisciplinary contemporary art complex comprising a gallery, artist residencies, and educational programs. It draws both domestic and international artists, enriching Uzbekistan’s modern art landscape and establishing Samarkand as a prominent cultural center within Central Asia.
Revitalization of Cultural Heritage and Museums
Abdukhakimov has overseen restoration projects for prominent historical landmarks and museums such as:
- The State Museum of Applied Arts in Tashkent, dedicated to preserving traditional Uzbek artisanal crafts
- Cultural heritage initiatives in Khiva and Bukhara concentrating on architectural preservation coupled with tourism development
- The Silk Road Cultural Festival, an international event designed to rekindle global interest in Uzbekistan’s historical role along the Silk Road
Mahalla: Urban Rural Living Exhibition
Contributing as a member of the Organising Committee, Abdukhakimov supported this exhibition that highlights traditional Uzbek neighborhood architecture, reflecting the country’s distinctive cultural identity and social fabric.
Through these efforts, Abdukhakimov has enhanced Uzbekistan’s cultural diplomacy, broadened public access to artistic venues, and integrated creative arts into both tourism strategies and economic frameworks. His contributions have garnered recognition both nationally and internationally for advancing creativity alongside heritage conservation.