Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A packed audience attended the foreign premiere of Bygone Days (Uzbek: O‘tkan kunlar) at the Azerbaijan State Academic National Drama Theatre. The play, staged by the Baku Municipal Theatre, is based on the renowned novel by Uzbek literary classic Abdulla Qodiriy.

The production marked a significant cultural event, symbolically uniting the spiritual values of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.

Qodiriy’s novel, recognized as the first work of realist prose in Central Asia, was first translated into Azerbaijani in 1928 by distinguished Turkologist Khalid Said Khojayev. In 2023, the book was reissued in modern Azerbaijani, renewing interest in the tragic love story of Kumush and Otabek and making it accessible to a new generation of readers.

The premiere was timed to commemorate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan and was supported by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Azerbaijan, the Culture Committee of the Milli Majlis (Azerbaijani Parliament), and the Baku Municipal Theatre.

Far more than a formal occasion, the event reaffirmed the centuries-old spiritual ties between the two brotherly nations. These relations continue to flourish on the solid foundation of mutual trust, friendship, and strategic partnership, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan.

At the opening ceremony, Gunay Efendiyeva, Deputy Chair of the Culture Committee of the Milli Majlis, delivered a welcoming speech. She emphasized the historical and cultural significance of the play, noting that Abdulla Qodiriy, like prominent Azerbaijani writers such as Huseyn Javid, Ahmad Javad, and Mikayil Mushfig, fell victim to Stalin’s repressions in the 1930s.

The play served as a joint reflection on the shared historical tragedies of the region’s peoples.

The atmosphere was enriched by the presence of a high-level delegation from Uzbekistan, including prominent writers, actors, cultural figures, and the grandson of Abdulla Qodiriy himself. Their attendance was a powerful expression of respect for shared cultural heritage and a commitment to deepening spiritual ties.

Directed by Merahim Farzalibeyov and written by acclaimed poet and author Kenan Haji, the production received high praise from both audiences and critics. For its emotional depth, thematic relevance, and artistic expression, the theatre under the leadership of Aynur Mukhtarova was recognized as a shining representative of Turkic theatre, demonstrating professionalism and dedication to its cultural mission.

The event concluded with expressions of gratitude to the organizers and participants, along with warm wishes for the continued development of cultural cooperation between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.