Uzbekistan Proposes Joint Film and Exhibition on Alexander the Great with Greece
by Bill Giannopoulos · Greek City TimesUzbekistan has proposed to Greece the co-production of a feature film and the organization of a joint exhibition dedicated to Alexander the Great, focusing on the Macedonian general’s historic connection to Central Asia and his marriage to Roxane.
The proposal was made by Uzbekistan’s Minister of Culture, Ozodbek Nazarbekov, during a meeting with Greece’s Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, in Athens this week.
Historical Significance
Alexander the Great captured the ancient city of Samarkand (then known as Marakanda) in 329 BC. The city, founded around 700 BC, served as the capital of Sogdiana, a satrapy of the Achaemenid Persian Empire. According to historical accounts, Alexander was so impressed by the city’s beauty that he exclaimed it surpassed all he had heard about it.
In 327 BC, he married Roxane, a noblewoman from Sogdiana, in Samarkand. Their son was his only legitimate heir. The State Museum in Samarkand today features a dedicated section commemorating Alexander’s passage through the region.
Strengthening Cultural Ties
The meeting between the two ministers was described as warm and constructive, underscoring the deep historical and cultural links between Greece and Uzbekistan.
Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in cultural heritage protection, museum exchanges, and joint exhibitions. Greek institutions mentioned included the National Archaeological Museum, the Benaki Museum of Islamic Art, and the Museum of Asian Art in Corfu. On the Uzbek side, the Museum of Applied Arts and the State Museum of History were highlighted.
Both sides also explored collaboration in the audiovisual sector, digital cultural projects, and the organization of mutual cultural weeks to promote traditional music, gastronomy, folk art, and contemporary creation.
The ministers expressed satisfaction with the mutual support for each country’s candidacy for the UNESCO Executive Board for the 2027–2031 term.
Following the meeting, Greece and Uzbekistan signed a Cooperation Program in Education, Science and Culture for 2026–2028, which includes joint archaeological projects, expert exchanges, and cooperation in cinema, music, theatre, and cultural routes.
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