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Family, Music, and Culture: UCA Hosts 3rd International Conference on Family Ensembles in Central Asia
On 19 September 2025, the University of Central Asia’s (UCA) Cultural Heritage and Humanities Unit (CHHU) convened the 3rd International Conference on “Family, Music, and Culture: The Tradition of Family Ensembles in Central Asia” in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, dedicated to the 34th anniversary of Tajikistan's independence.
The hybrid event brought together scholars, musicians, and cultural practitioners from Tajikistan, across Central Asia, and beyond, creating a vibrant platform to explore the vital role of families in sustaining musical and cultural traditions.
Exploring Heritage Across Generations
The conference opened with remarks from CHHU leadership, followed by a keynote address that highlighted the enduring relationship between family, music, and identity in Tajik society.
In the four sessions of the conference, participants explored themes such as intergenerational transmission of musical heritage, the role of dynasties and family ensembles, media and representation, and case studies from Tajikistan, Pakistan, and the Uyghur music traditions. Scholars presented research on the living heritage of Mubarak-i Wakhani, the legacy of Tajik musical dynasties, ethnographic accounts of hareep ensembles in Hunza, the craft of instrument-making in South Asia, and the music of Uyghur family ensembles abroad.
Family as a Cultural Institution
The discussions underscored the significance of the family as both a cultural institution and a space of creativity, where traditions of music, oral knowledge, and craftsmanship are preserved and adapted for new generations. At the same time, participants critically examined the challenges posed by globalisation, migration, and commercialisation, while highlighting the resilience of local practices.
One participant from the UNICEF office in Dushanbe described the event as “one of the most memorable conferences we’ve attended on family musical culture. The depth of discussion and the diversity of perspectives made it a rich learning experience.”
A Living Tradition on Stage
The day concluded with a concert featuring traditional family ensembles from Tajikistan, allowing participants to experience the living heritage that had been the focus of discussion throughout the conference.
Strengthening Cultural Continuity
The conference advanced scholarly dialogue on cultural continuity and identity, while reaffirming UCA’s commitment to the research, preservation, and celebration of Central Asia’s rich intangible cultural heritage.
