From October 8th to 14th, Professor Chen Qiurong, Director of School of Fine Arts and Crafts, led a delegation to Uzbekistan for a one-week academic visit and exchange at the invitation of Termez State University.
The delegation first visited Termez State University from October 9th to 12th, where they met with the Vice President, Professor Gafur Togayev, Dean of the Faculty of National Dress and Art, Professor Humoyun Turayev, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Tourism, Professor Otabek Abduganijev, and Dean of the Faculty of History, Professor Shuhrat Abdulloyev, among others. They engaged in in-depth academic exchanges and cooperation negotiations with the relevant faculties, and held heated discussions with the Faculty of National Dress and Art on topics such as the joint establishment of an International Research Center for Crafts and Cultural Heritage, the protection, development, and dissemination of cultural heritage, and have reached a preliminary cooperation intentions.
At the Faculty of National Dress and Art, the delegation gained an in-depth understanding of its teaching methods and curriculum. They visited the featured classrooms and laboratories, and thoroughly inspected traditional craft studios, including the National Costume and Embroidery Textile Workshop, and the Pottery Workshop. Professor Chen Qiurong presented an academic report entitled "Beijing City University: 40 Years of Handicraft Inheritance and Cultural Relic Restoration Experience" for the teachers and students of the Faculty of National Dress and Art, focusing on how to restore and design conversion traditional crafts such as pottery, embroidery textile, lacquered wood ware and so on. More than 200 teachers and students attended the lecture. Professor Chen Qiurong was also invited to demonstrate Chinese oil painting and pottery making to the teachers and students of the Faculty of National Dress and Art, highlighting the distinctive appeal of these art forms. After the exchange activities, the faculty and students of the Faculty of National Dress and Art all expressed great enthusiasm for future collaborative exploration of cultural heritage.
At the Faculty of Economics and Tourism, Associate Professor Zheng Jie from School of International Culture and Communication presented an academic report, “Revitalization, Tourism and International Communication of Dunhuang Cultural Heritage,” to over 60 teachers and students, leading to a profound on-site discussion. At the Faculty of History, Professor Chen Qiurong engaged in discussions with the dean and archaeology professors about the restoration of ancient murals, silk textiles, pottery, and other cultural relics. They also explored the possibility of future faculty exchanges and collaborations. To express the welcome and appreciation, the Faculty of National Dress and Art at Termez State University arranged a captivating fashion show featuring traditional Uzbekistan handmade clothing for the delegation. This event showcased the rich heritage and innovative designs of Uzbekistan national attire, providing the delegation with a profound and immersive experience.
Next, Beijing City University and Termez State University will draft and sign a cooperation agreement based on previous discussions. We will operationalize this agreement through the Joint Research Center, thereby enhancing the depth and practicality of educational exchanges and collaborations in craftsmanship and cultural heritage for the Belt & Road.
On October 13th, the delegation traveled to the “Silk Road” International Tourism and Cultural Heritage University in Uzbekistan, where they met with Vice Chancellor, Professor Zou Tongqian. They had thorough discussions on discipline construction and talent cultivation, agreeing that there’s broad potential for cooperation between the two universities in research areas such as the practice of cultural relics restoration and heritage protection. They also explored the possibility of joint master’s and doctoral talent cultivation, laying a solid foundation for future cooperation.
The visit concluded successfully in a harmonious and friendly atmosphere. This summer, faculty and students from Termez State University participated in our summer camp classes and activities. This visit has promoted academic exchange and cooperation between Chinese and Uzbekistan universities, opening a new chapter for BCU and Uzbekistan universities to move forward altogether and seek common development.
