On Wednesday, 18 March 2026, the Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Forum Secretariat, alongside five Central Asian nations, celebrated the cultural heritage of the Nowruz spring festival as a vital link between Korea and the Central Asian region, The Korea Herald reports.
The history of the Nowruz festival spans millennia across regions along the Silk Road, including the Balkans, the Black Sea Basin, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Today, it is celebrated in Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
While presenting a book dedicated to this ancient spring festival, Choi Bo-geun, Vice Administrator of the Korea Heritage Service, recalled the depiction of a Goguryeo envoy in the Afrasiab murals of Uzbekistan. He emphasized the historical inter-civilizational exchange that has long existed between Korea and Central Asia.
Discovered in 1965 at the Afrasiab Palace in Samarkand, the 11-meter mural depicts two envoys whose feathered headgear confirms their Korean origin. This serves as historical evidence of Korea’s diplomatic presence in Central Asia via the Silk Road as early as the 7th century.
“Based on this foundation, the Korea-Central Asia Summit in September will elevate cooperation between our regions to the next level,” Choi added.
Rhee Jong Kook, executive director of the Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Forum Secretariat, described Nowruz as “one of the most significant cultural heritages representing Central Asia.”
The Ambassadors of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan spoke on the festival’s significance as a symbol of renewal and harmony.
Ambassador Nurgali Arystanov of Kazakhstan emphasized the festival’s role in strengthening regional cooperation.
Ambassador Aida Ismailova of Kyrgyzstan noted its importance in transmitting cultural and spiritual values across generations.
Ambassador Kirom Salohiddin of Tajikistan focused on the role of Nowruz in reinforcing moral and social foundations.
Ambassador Begench Durdiyev of Turkmenistan provided detailed insights into traditional celebrations. The diplomat also highlighted a major milestone in his country’s development: this year marks the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence. In this context, the Ambassador elaborated on the 2026 national motto: “Independent, Permanently Neutral Turkmenistan – the Land of Purposeful Heavenly Horses.”
Ambassador Alisher Abdusalomov of Uzbekistan characterized Nowruz as a “symbol of hope, renewal, and resilience,” underscoring the connection between human effort and prosperity.
The event was co-organized by UNESCO’s International Information and Networking Center for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region, the Central Asian embassies in Korea and the Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Forum Secretariat. ///nCa, 20 March 2026