TAJIKISTAN : THE HEART OF SILK ROAD

Tajikistan: cradle of civilization by Professor Anton Caragea MA, FINS , DR.H.C.

In September 2011 Tajikistan will mark the anniversary of 20 years of independence. It is a moment to contemplate with proud, as the country succeeded, in a short span of time, to build an independent administration, a powerful army, a strong economy and a society of social equilibrium and respect for citizen’s rights.

Especially the years of mandate of President Emomali Rahmon had paved the way for asserting Tajikistan role on international arena, for supporting the tajik art, culture and historic patrimony resurgence and are undoubtedly a renaissance era in the history of people of Tajikistan.

Tajikistan : a country that offered to the world an impressive legacy

This astonishing achievements in a difficult region could not have being possible without a powerful cultural base and a long tradition of statehood, of bright civilization and a rich history that proved that Tajik people are creators of wonderful crafts and arts. Tajikistan history is not confined to the last 20 years; Tajikistan must be reminded is the place of birth of fabulous Oxus Treasure that highlighted the heritage of Persian Empire and the craftsmanship of tajik ancestors.

Tajikistan is also the birthplace of Zoroastrism, faith that build an empire of fire worshipers and high moral beliefs from Tajikistan to today Pakistan and Mediterranean Sea.

Just a short counting of the Empires that have their political and cultural center in Tajikistan is impressive: Samanids, Ghaznavids, Kara Kitai, Mongols, Khorezem, and Timurid etc.  Putting in the spot light this heritage, offering to the world the information`s necessary to understand that Tajikistan is one of the top art and civilization creators in the world, with an important contribution to world heritage, it is a necessity.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan, the fine intellectual Hamrokhon Zarifi- the author of  TAJIK ARTS AND CRAFTS TROUGH CENTURIES

To respond to this necessity the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan, the fine intellectual Hamrokhon Zarifi had succeeded in collecting with a passion of the art collector  and the knowledge of the historian, documents, astonishing images and pictures of tajik arts and crafts trough centuries.  The result is a monumental book: TAJIK ARTS AND CRAFTS TROUGH CENTURIES offering, in the front of the surprised and unfamiliar reader, the images of a rich culture and of an ingenious and extremely talented people that leaved a clear mark on history.

The monumental masterpiece TAJIK ARTS AND CRAFTS TROUGH CENTURIES is at the same time: a complete inventory of art treasures and creations of tajik people, an exhaustive image of the traditions and historical influence of the tajik craftsman over the arts in all Central Asia and a repertoire of historic discoveries on the territory of republic of Tajikistan. In 19 chapters, like on a flying carpet, the avid reader will familiarized himself to the impressive art and civilization of tajik people.

Tajikistan art and crafts are a legacy respected for 2.000 years.

The books succeed the rare achievement of analyzing, through impressive photographs and clear descriptions, not only the art of tajik`s, but to related this with the history and with geography of the country. A chapter of embroidery will present you the intricate and luxurious tajik patterns, full of gold and precious colors. I will draw the attention of the readers to models showing the influence of tajik art on the Khorezem art (XII-XIII century) and Safavid Persia, moments when tajik art influence spreads from the banks of Amur Daria to Caspian Sea and Persian Gulf. The gold embroidery and jewelers design will prove that tajik craftsman and tajik patterns conquered the imaginations of the rulers of the world. From the Omayyad Court in Baghdad to the Chinese Emperor court the luxurious models of tajik arts and tajik specialists where attracted to the Asian imperial courts as a proof of the ingenuity of tajik craftsman`s.

TAJIK ARTS AND CRAFTS TROUGH CENTURIES also pays a special attention to the impressive national cloths, head wares and foot wears chapters. This chapters present to the reader in the same time the similarity of the national cloths of tajik people to the Central Asian national cloths pattern, but also pay homage to the ingenuity of tajik people who always knew to make something to stand apart from the crowd: either a splendid tree of life pattern, either a solar image, either a splendid Kara Kitai motive.

Reading the attentive historical and ethnographical explanation of the book, admiring the picturesque images included in the book you cannot wonder how Tajik people succeeded in making the transition from the small art, ephemeral art of cloth and house art, to the impressive big art, ceremonial art of palaces, governmental houses, summer houses and decorative architecture.

I cannot appreciate enough the legacy that a monument like Mir Said Hamadoni Tomb in Kulab is offering to the world: the architectural solutions used in this monument are a proof of the independent mind and wealth of knowledge of tajik builders and the intricate models of designed used to decorate the monument, to recreate the image of Islamic paradise cannot be matched.

It is also an important achievement of this book that is uniting the legacy of the past with the present day creations of tajik crafts and art makers that proof that the ancestors magic and craftsmanship is not lost and even today tajik people can create masterpiece of world level.

Kurramshahr Entertaining Center or Varzob Government Country residence are impressive paraphernalia, witnessing that tajik art is re-living today a new epoch of glory and recognition. The capacity of integrating the art monuments in the nature is one of the key of tajik success in art and resilience trough the centuries and Varzob Palace is a symbol that this capacity is not lost but is living again in the soul of tajik craftsman. The same is valid for the famous Teahouse in Khorugh that elevated wooden crafts to mastery creating a wood marvels that astonish by beautiful model the researcher of today arts phenomena.

TAJIK ARTS AND CRAFTS TROUGH CENTURIES it is a successful claim to international recognition of Tajikistan art, as a role model for the world and as an intrinsic part of humankind patrimony.

This book is the perfect gift for 20 years of independence anniversary of Tajikistan, announcing to the world that Tajikistan it a cultural patrimony household name, with a history dating back to more than 2.500 years, a country that made a powerful contribution to humanity patrimony and can stand with the head high and say: Tajikistan is a name that will always be recognized as the cradle of civilization.

EUROPEAN UNION CONFIRMS DEMOCRATIC STATUS OF KAZAKHSTAN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

Between 28 of March and 6 April 2011 a European Union delegation from European Council on International Relations has realized the election monitoring for Kazakhstan presidential poll.

The monitoring mission was realized based on an invitation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan. Between 28 of February and 28 of March the Monitoring commission has under scrutiny the mass media law, the election law, the political laws and the Constitutional Law of Kazakhstan and had operated a surveillance of the measure taken by the Central Electoral Commission in order to insure a free and open election atmosphere.

Professor Dr. Anton Caragea , President of European Council on International Relations , declares : Kazakhstan elections where in compliance with European norms

The conclusion of the European Council on International Relations monitoring commission was that: the necessary steps in order to insure an honest and balanced electoral consultation respecting democratic standards were taken by Government of Kazakhstan. The European Union monitoring mission insured also the Election Day supervision, the supervision of counting and tabulation of elections results in a significant and representative number of sections and commissions.

The preliminary conclusion of the Kazakhstan monitoring mission was publicly presented on 4 April 2011 in a press conference at Ramada Hotel in Astana by Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on International Relations . The press conference included the presentation of Preliminary Monitoring Report for 3 April Presidential Elections and official presentation of data collected on election day and on tabulation phase, the conclusion being that the Monitoring Commission is endorsing the Kazakhstan elections as representing the free and democratically expressed voice of Kazakh people decision.

The European union report endorsing the free and fair character of Kazakhstan elections was presented on 4 April at 14:00 hour being fallowed at 16:00 by the Report of European Parliamentary Assembly endorsing also the democratic process of elections held in Kazakhstan and at 18:00 hours by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization report also supporting the elections result.

Finally Professor Dr. Anton Caragea held the honor of speaking on Security and Proximity Policy of European Union at Euro-Asian University. This honor was previously awarded to Hillary Clinton, George Bush jr.-United States President and Prince of Norway- Haakon and President Emil Constantinescu of Romania.

The meeting with students and professors of university had marked a two hours dialogue on European Union realities and mechanism bringing closer Central Asia and Europe.

The final report of monitoring mission of presidential election held in Kazakhstan was read in a double and concomitant ceremony in Bucharest and Brussels on 12 of April 2011.

Professor Dr. Anton Caragea , President of European Council on International Relations , presents the Final Monitoring Report on Kazakhstan Presidential Election on 12 April 2011 in a duplex Bucharest-Brussels .

In the presence of Diplomatic Corp and a huge audience , Professor Dr. Anton Caragea , President of European Council on International Relations has presented the Final Report of EU Monitoring Mission concluding that :

The Election Process was on all his duration and in all his faze in conformity with international standards , international accepted norms and Copenhagen Criteria and is recognizing the April 3 Presidential Elections in Kazakhstan as free , fair , open and in complying with democratic values and criteria’s.

Today democratic and prosperous Kazakhstan is building a new euro-asian relation. Once Kazakhstan had obtained the democratic credentials European Union is having a stabile and open partner in Central Asia. The involvement of European Council on International Relations in supporting democratic process in Kazakhstan is a new bridge that is uniting the two countries.

EUROPEAN UNION STATEMENTS ON SOUTH SUDAN INDEPENDENCE

Catherine Ashton -High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security of European Union

“This is a historic moment for Sudan. The European Union (EU) commends the people of Southern Sudan and the Sudanese parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) on the peaceful and credible conduct of the Referendum on self-determination for Southern Sudan.

Despite many obstacles, the Sudanese Referendum authorities were able to organise a referendum in a timely and credible manner as witnessed by the EU Electoral Observation Mission. An overwhelming majority of registered voters participated and resoundingly expressed their determination to establish an independent state.

The EU fully respects the outcome of the Referendum as a true reflection of the democratically expressed wishes of the people of Southern Sudan. The EU looks forward to further developing a close and long-term partnership with Southern Sudan which is set to become a new state once the CPA expires in July 2011.

The EU welcomes the commitment of the Government of Sudan to respect the outcome of the Referendum.

In the coming months, the EU will continue to support the efforts of the parties to reach agreement on all outstanding CPA issues and the key post-referendum arrangements that will sustain the North-South relationship in the long term.

The EU remains committed to engage both North and South Sudan in the promotion of democratic governance, respect for human rights and a peaceful and prosperous future for all Sudanese people. In this context, the EU will step up its dialogue with both North and South and is ready to play its part in underpinning the development of two viable states.”

Professor Anton Caragea- PRESIDENT OF EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

I  have received with enormous interest the official results regarding South Sudan Referendum on Self Determination . The people of South Sudan have spoken and have spoken with clarity on their desire to achieve independence. I congratulated the people and government of South Sudan on this historical result and I express my sincere appreciation on the peaceful and honorable way in which the referendum was organized and hosted. I also congratulate the President of Sudan H.E. Omar Al Bashir for the immediate and unconditional recognition of the South Sudan Referendum results.

I call upon all parties to manage a peaceful transition and to negotiate a comprehensible and honest agreement in order to build as President Omar Al Bashir underlined a brotherly relation between the two countries.

I also expressed to President of Southern Sudan H.E Salva Kiir Mayardit, upon his request, the openness of  European Council on International Relations to support the South Sudan efforts   on the path of independence and on building an open and free society, a democratic model for countries of Africa.

I also express our shared vision with High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security of European Union Catherine Ashton as it was laid out in the 7 of February European Union Communiqué that underlined the fact that : EU remains committed to engage both North and South Sudan in the promotion of democratic governance, respect for human rights and a peaceful and prosperous future for all Sudanese people. In this context, the EU will step up its dialogue with both North and South and is ready to play its part in underpinning the development of two viable states.

MAN OF THE YEAR AWARD FOR 2010 SURPASS NOBEL PEACE PRIZE IN IMPORTANCE

Foreign dignitaries , academic corp. member , professors warmly greeted professor Anton Caragea , president of European Council on International relations and director of Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation of Romania on the decision of awarding MAN OF THE YEAR title to President of Turkmenistan , H.E Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov . Professor Shirin Akiner from Cambridge University went as far as observing that MAN OF THE YEAR award has become this year more influential and less controversial than the Nobel Prize congratulating Romania for this decision.

Professor Shirin Akiner congratules prof.dr.Anton Caragea and Ambassador Shohrat Jumayev of Turkmenistan to Romania for MAN OF THE YEAR AWARD

 

OSCE Secretary General Marc Perrin de Brichambaut,

Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), had arrived in Ashgabat to attend the OSCE Secretary General Marc Perrin de Brichambaut. The head of the authoritative international organisations congratulated the Turkmen leader on receiving the diploma of the title of honour of “The Man of the Year” of Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation of Romania and Professor Anton Caragea presence on the 15th anniversary of neutrality and the great success of the international forum dedicated to the national holiday.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey Ahmet Davutoglu, had arrived in Ashgabat to participate in the celebration of the 15th anniversary of neutrality of Turkmenistan. Minister Ahmet Davutoglu congratulated the Turkmen leader on receiving the diploma of the title of honour of “The Man of the Year” of Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation of Romania and Professor Anton Caragea presence and the great success of the international forum dedicated to the national holiday. In this regard, the distinguished guest said that Turkey was proud to be one of the first states in 1995 to support the adoption of the United Nations Resolution on the Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan, the constructive foreign policy strategy of which due to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s prudence stood today as a critical factor for peace and stability in the region.

Chairman of the CIS Executive Committee

Chairman of the Executive Committee, Executive Secretary of the Commonwealth of Independent States Sergei Lebedev, had arrived in Ashgabat to attend the International Conference on Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan: Cooperation for Peace, Security and Progress and the celebrations in honour of the 15th anniversary of neutrality of Turkmenistan, at the Ruhiyet Palace. Expressing gratitude for the heartfelt welcome extended in the Turkmen land, the guest congratulated the President on receiving the diploma of the title of honour of “The Man of the Year” of Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation of Romania and Professor Anton Caragea presence and emphasized that he was glad to visit again Turkmenistan, which due to the Turkmen leader’s innovative, prudent policy had gained the reputation of being a dynamically developing country with the great future in the world arena. Another evidence for this was the high-level forum organized in Ashgabat, which had provided an open platform for an exchange of views on new approaches and forms of interstate cooperation, including issues of stability and security in Central Asia and all over the world.

ECO Secretary General

Mohammad Yahya Maroofi, Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), who had arrived in Ashgabat to attend the International Conference on Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan: Cooperation for Peace, Security and Progress, at the Ruhiyet Palace. Expressing gratitude for the opportunity of a personal meeting, the distinguished guest heartily congratulated the leader of the Turkmen state and the Turkmen people the 15th anniversary of neutrality of Turkmenistan. Mr Mohammed Yahya Maroufi emphasized that Turkmenistan’s open door policy and the Turkmen leader’s constructive initiatives on wide international cooperation had earned Turkmenistan the high international prestige. Another evidence for that was the presence of Professor Anton Caragea awarding the title of honour of “the Man of the Year” of Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation of Romania to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the presence of the Executive Committee of the Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation of Romania, said the ECO Secretary General.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Vladimir Norov,

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, had arrived in the Turkmen capital to participate in the International Conference on Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan: Cooperation for Peace, Security and Progress, at the Ruhiyet Palace. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan congratulated President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on receiving the title of honour of “The Man of the Year” awarded by the Executive Committee of the Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation of Romania and Professor Dr. Anton Caragea presence at the meeting noting that this award vividly testified to worldwide recognition of the outstanding achievements of the Turkmen leader, the author of the foreign policy neutral Turkmenistan and the strategy for fundamental progressive reforms, which had won the country had the high international prestige by the community.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Republic ,

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Elmar Mamedyarov, who had arrived in Ashgabat to participate in the International Conference on Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan: Cooperation for Peace, Security and Progress. The meeting took place in the Ruhiyet Palace, which had become the venue for the conference. The Azerbaijani Foreign Minister congratulated the Turkmen leader on receiving the prestigious title of “The Man of the Year” , of Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation of Romania and Professor Anton Caragea presence. He said that Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation of Romania, one of the major research centres in Europe.

UAE Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Owais,

Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development of the United Arab Emirates, who arrived in Ashgabat to attend the International Conference on Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan: Cooperation for Peace, Security and Progress, in his residence at the Oguzkent Hotel. Emphasizing that the United Arab Emirates took great interest in large-scale progressive reforms launched in Turkmenistan on the initiative of the national leader and were sincerely proud in the achievements gained by Turkmen brothers, the guest congratulated President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on receiving the title of honour of “The Man of the Year” by the Executive Committee of the Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation of Romania and on the presence of professor Anton Caragea on the event .

Shanghai Cooperation Organization Secretary General ,

Muratbek Imanaliev, Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), who had arrived in Ashgabat to participate in the International Conference on Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan: Cooperation for Peace, Security and Progress and the celebrations to mark the 15th anniversary of neutrality of Turkmenistan, at the Ruhiyet Palace. Greeting the leader of the Turkmen state, the distinguished guest congratulated Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on the organisation of the high-level international forum in Ashgabat dedicated to the landmark date in the history of independent Turkmenistan as well as awarding the diploma of the title of honour of “The Man of the Year” to the Turkmen leader. The SCO Secretary-General noted that by pursuing the active, consistent peacekeeping policy, Turkmenistan demonstrated a responsible approach to international cooperation as illustrated by the Turkmen leader’s statement at the conference opening ceremony.

Organization of Islamic Conference

Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu at the Ruhiyet Palace, where the ceremony of opening the International Conference on Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan: Cooperation for Peace, Security and Progress had taken place. The head of the largest international organisation congratulated President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on the success of the statement at the International Conference, the high level of which was another bright evidence for the growing prestige and role of Turkmenistan in the world arena and the 15th anniversary of neutrality of Turkmenistan celebrated widely in the country. taking an opportunity, Mr. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu congratulated the leader of the Turkmen state on receiving the title of honour of “The Man of the Year” warded by the Executive Committee of the Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation of Romania and emphasized that this event was a sign of wide recognition of an invaluable contribution made by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to strengthening peace, security and sustainable development.

 

THE PERSONALITY OF 2010 IN DIPLOMACY IS PROFESSOR ANTON CARAGEA

Professor Anton Caragea is declared THE ROMANIAN PERSONALITY OF 2010.

 

The summer of 2010 brings with it, two important international recognition to the diplomatic activities organized by the Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation. First, Professor Anton Caragea had received from United States Biographical Institute the title of ROMANIAN -MEN OF THE YEAR 2010. The decisive element in awarding the title to Professor Anton Caragea was his part in organizing and hosting the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Bucharest conference in February 2010. The OSCE Conference hosted in Bucharest by Professor Anton Caragea was perceived universally as an unshakable support for the activities of the OSCE and for the security of all European continent. For the Awarding Committee : the security of United States is inextricable linked by the continuous activity of OSCE at European level and in this direction the efforts of professor Anton Caragea in promoting OSCE activities during 2010 where a crucial one .

Not only the European Union direction of activity of Institute of international Relations and Economic Cooperation had attracted the attention, but also the activities destined to promote the dialogue between Europe and others civilizations area and specially the professor Anton Caragea sustained implication in promoting and constructing a dialogue among Christian and Islamic faith . To reward this long time commitment the EUROPEAN MUSLIM WOMAN CONFERENCE has invited Professor Anton Caragea  as a invite of honor to deliver a speech and he received the SPECIAL PRIZE for encouraging the inter-faith dialogue and supporting  the empowerment of woman`s in all area of life. Both of recognition, had declared Professor Anton Caragea are not address to myself, but to all the people of the Institute that proved in this time of economic havoc that they can organize actions of European echo and could sustained peace and security thru organizations such as OSCE and they could promote the Romanian voice in all the major issues of our time. The voice of Romanian cultural and academic elite will continuously be heard by the efforts of the Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation assured Professor Anton Caragea

BEST EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY IS IN SLOVAKIA

Bratislava School of Law was declared best European University.

On 12 of May 2010 during the European Cultural Week, sponsored by the European Council on International Relation in Brussels , the annual gathering of European Educational Council has evaluated the candidature for the prestigious EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARD for 2010.

The EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARD is dedicated to reward the most prestigious universities in Europe on bases on research activities, research contracts, educational activities, curricula and students result, satisfaction and educational atmosphere.

For 2010 the EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARD was entrusted to Bratislava School of Law, the most renamed university in Central Europe. Bratislava School of Law is offering a large area of educational programs in informatics, law , economics, mass-media and is fallowing a rapid development with establishments in Prague, Brno , Vienna all this being taking into consideration in awarding the prestigious title .

Professor Jan Carnogurski, former prime minister, Chancellor Slavomir Rudenko , Rector Jan Svak, professor Anton Caragea ( from left to right)

Also the European Council on International Relations – Educational Committee entrusted to Professor Anton Caragea to carry the official prize to Bratislava. On the visit in Bratislava of European delegation professor Anton Caragea has visited the Bratislava School of Law, has meeting with professors and students and visited the educational facilities of the Bratislava School of Law. Also during the visit professor Anton Caragea have meet professor Jan Carnogurski , former prime minister of Slovakia  and the Rector of Bratislava School of Law – dr. Jan Svak .

The EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARD was entrusted to the leadership of the university in an official ceremony as a European recognition for the triumphs of Slovak learning system on European Union educational environment.