The Boysun District in South-Eastern Uzbekistan on the Silk Road route from Asia Minor to India is an ancient area of Central Asia. The region became quite isolated as the importance of the Silk Road diminished, and political changes took place in Central Asia. This allowed the region to maintain ancient traditions, including Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, and Islam, among other religions. Boysun is a place in Uzbekistan where visitors can discover and experience the traditional culture that has been handed down through time and space since medieval times.
Several traditional rituals remain intact in the country: the eve of the Navruz Festival consists of a sowing ritual with food offerings. Family rites also persist: the evil spirit is chased away 40 days after birth, accompanied by fire and ashes. Boys are circumcised with goat fights and various games, including wrestling and horse racing. In addition, ancient practices continue to be used for wedding ceremonies, funeral rites, and shamanic rituals to heal the sick. Other popular traditions from the area include ritual chants linked to annual festivals, epic legends, and dances, along with the accompanying wind or string instruments. The Shalola folk music ensemble has documented the legends, epics, and old melodies. In addition to collecting popular songs, the group has made an inventory of traditional instruments and costumes.
Boysun is also famous for its quality spring water. The natural basin of Boysun supplies lifesaving water to approximately 82,000 residents. Although not exclusively used by residents, Boysun's mineral water is renowned for its healing properties. The Omonkhona mineral spring, for example, houses a shelter where people can rest and drink the mineral water. The Boysun region also has several sanatoria where those who are sick can be treated in a type of care facility. Those suffering from physical or mental pain can find relief at sanatoria. They combine the healing properties of the water with the vibrant beauty of the natural landscape.
In the Cultural Space of Boysun, the lifestyle and culture of the Uzbek people have been established as a traditional and intangible cultural heritage space, fusing the Uzbek people's religion, folklore, and arts into a living communal space. Many different elements are gathered there, which makes it possible to transmit the traditions in different ways. It is typically transmitted through the organization of festivals and is further facilitated by modern media such as radio, TV programs, and the Internet that can take this tradition beyond its borders. Cultural policies during the Soviet era, however, leave little room for traditional Boysun artistic and cultural expression. Presently, there is a clear need for assistance in providing the communities with musical instruments and equipment for documentation of the various cultural expressions.
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