Uzbekistan showcases modernist Tashkent at Venice Biennale 2025
At the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025, Uzbekistan's pavilion celebrates the Sun Institute of Material Science, a 1987 solar furnace built for military and aerospace research.
Designed by Grace Studio, the exhibition explores the site's scientific and architectural legacy through fragmented displays. Artists like Ester Sheynfeld highlight the everyday life of researchers at the Tashkent complex.
The pavilion also reflects Uzbekistan's broader effort to document and protect 21 modernist buildings. The solar facility is now listed for UNESCO heritage status and seen as a symbol of sustainable relevance in a changing world.
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Euronews
15-05-2025
- Euronews
Uzbekistan showcases modernist Tashkent at Venice Biennale 2025
At the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025, Uzbekistan's pavilion celebrates the Sun Institute of Material Science, a 1987 solar furnace built for military and aerospace research. Designed by Grace Studio, the exhibition explores the site's scientific and architectural legacy through fragmented displays. Artists like Ester Sheynfeld highlight the everyday life of researchers at the Tashkent complex. The pavilion also reflects Uzbekistan's broader effort to document and protect 21 modernist buildings. The solar facility is now listed for UNESCO heritage status and seen as a symbol of sustainable relevance in a changing world.
France 24
12-05-2025
- France 24
The Saya de Malha Bank, a 'forgotten ecosystem' in need of protection
Situated in the Indian Ocean between Mauritius and Seychelles, more than 200 miles from land, the Saya de Malha Bank extends over an area the size of Switzerland and is one of the world's biggest seagrass meadows, which make it the planet's most important carbon sink. Much like trees on land, seagrass absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it in its roots and soil. But seagrass does it especially fast – at a rate 35 times that of tropical rainforest. As such, it is existentially crucial to the planet. Due to its remote location, the bank is among the least-studied, shallow marine ecoregions on the planet – and, tragically, the area is today being systematically decimated by a multi-national fleet of fishing ships that virtually no one tracks or polices. More than five hundred years ago, when Portuguese sailors came across a shallow-water bank on the high seas over 700 miles east of the northern tip of Mauritius, they named it Saya de Malha, or "mesh skirt", to describe the rolling waves of seagrass below the surface. In 2012, UNESCO considered Saya de Malha as a potential candidate to become a Marine World Heritage site, for its "Potential Outstanding Universal Value". UNESCO described the bank as "globally unique", concluding that it was covered in what is likely the largest seagrass meadow in the world. Seagrasses are frequently overlooked because they are rare, estimated to cover only a tenth of one percent of the ocean floor. "They are the forgotten ecosystem," said Ronald Jumeau, the Seychelles Ambassador for Climate Change. Nevertheless, seagrasses are far less protected than other offshore areas. Only 26 percent of recorded seagrass meadows fall within marine protected areas, compared with 40 percent of coral reefs and 43 percent of the world's mangroves. A unique biodiversity Often described as the lungs of the ocean, seagrasses capture about a fifth of all its carbon and they are home to vast biodiversity. Thousands of species, including in the Saya de Malha Bank, many as yet unknown to science, depend on seagrasses for their survival. But the planet has lost roughly a third of them since the late nineteenth century and we lose 7 percent more each year – roughly equivalent to losing a football pitch of seagrass every 30 minutes. Seagrass also cleans polluted water and protects coastlines from erosion, according to a 2021 report by the University of California, Davis. At a time when at least eight million tons of plastic end up in the ocean every year, seagrass traps microplastics by acting as a dense net, catching debris and locking it into the sediment, found a 2021 study in Nature. At a time when ocean acidification threatens the survival of the world's coral reefs and the thousands of fish species that inhabit them, seagrasses reduce acidity by absorbing carbon through photosynthesis, and provide shelters, nurseries, and feeding grounds for thousands of species, including endangered animals such as dugongs, sharks, and seahorses. But the Saya de Malha is under threat. More than 200 distant-water vessels – most of them from Sri Lanka and Taiwan – have parked in the deeper waters along the edge of the bank over the past few years to catch tuna, lizardfish, scad and forage fish that is turned into protein-rich fishmeal, a type of animal feed. Ocean conservationists say that efforts to conserve the bank's seagrass are not moving fast enough to make a difference. "It's like walking north on a southbound train," said Heidi Weiskel, Acting Head of Global Ocean Team for IUCN. On May 23, 2022, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to declare March 1 as World Seagrass Day. The resolution was sponsored by Sri Lanka. Speaking at the assembly, the Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the UN, Ambassador Mohan Pieris, said seagrasses were "one of the most valuable marine ecosystems on earth", highlighting, among other things, their outsized contribution to carbon sequestration. But recognition is one thing; action is another. As the ambassador gave his speech in New York, dozens of ships from his country's fishing fleet were 9,000 miles away, busily scraping the biggest of those very ecosystems he was calling on the world to protect. This article was written by Ian Urbina, Maya Martin, Joe Galvin, Susan Ryan, and Austin Brush – Editors at The Outlaw Ocean Project. The Outlaw Ocean Project is a non-profit journalism organisation based in Washington DC that produces investigative stories about human rights, labour and environmental concerns on the two thirds of the planet covered by water. The organisation is run by Ian Urbina, an award-winning journalist who used to work for The New York Times. Most of the stories are reported at least partially at sea. In the United States, the group publishes its stories in various news outlets, including the New Yorker, NBC News, The Atlantic and The Washington Post. The reporting is also regularly translated into other languages, particularly French and Spanish, and broadcast in partnership with dozens of foreign newspapers, magazines, radio and television outlets.
Euronews
22-03-2025
- Euronews
Nowruz: All you need to know about the ancient celebration
ADVERTISEMENT Nowruz marks the arrival of spring in Iran but also the beginning of the new year. The same is true in Afghanistan, where the festival serves as the official start of the solar calendar. The precise moment of the new year, known as "year delivery," is determined by astronomical calculations. It occurs on the spring equinox, when day and night are nearly equal in the Northern Hemisphere. Each year, this timing is calculated down to the very second. If the new year occurs before noon, that same day is considered the first day of the Iranian solar calendar. If it falls after noon, the new year begins the following day. For example, in 2025, the new year in Iran will occur at 12:31:30 PM local time (10:01:30 AM CET). Consequently, March 21, 2025, will be the first day of the 1404 solar year in the Iranian calendar. This system of precise astronomical calculations was developed by Omar Khayyam, the renowned Iranian astronomer, poet, and philosopher. He also played a key role in creating the Jalali calendar, which remains the basis of Iran's current solar calendar. The starting point of this calendar is the Hijra - the migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD. Dancing for Nowruz Courtesy: Unesco The Origins of Nowruz Nowruz dates back over 3,000 years and has its roots in the ancient Persian Empire and the Zoroastrian calendar. For Zoroastrians, Nowruz marks the creation of the world ( Giti ) and humankind. During the Achaemenid era, the festival was celebrated with great splendor at Persepolis, where kings welcomed envoys and received gifts from across their vast empire. In fact, historical evidence suggests that one of Persepolis' primary functions was to host Nowruz celebrations. The Zoroastrian religion, which predates the Achaemenid dynasty, played a significant role in shaping the traditions of Nowruz. However, over the centuries, the festival has evolved into a secular celebration, embraced by diverse ethnic and cultural groups. Its endurance lies in its powerful symbolism - the triumph of light over darkness and the promise of new beginnings, both in nature and in the human spirit. Who celebrates Nowruz? Today, more 300 million people worldwide celebrate Nowruz, marking not only the start of the new year but also the celebration of life and the triumph of light over darkness. Originally bringing together the peoples of Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia (including Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan), Nowruz has spread across the Caucasus, the Balkans, and other regions. It embodies a shared heritage of customs, traditions, and values, and holds particular significance for Kurds. In 2009, Nowruz was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List , and the following year, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution declaring March 21 as International Nowruz Day, recognising its role in promoting peace and unity worldwide. Celebrations among Kurds Murad Sezer/AP How is Nowruz Celebrated? Nowruz encompasses a rich variety of traditions that vary by region. Some customs take place just before the New Year, while others continue for up to two weeks after. Throughout all these celebrations, the themes of renewal and hope remain central. Spring Clean and Renewal On the eve of Nowruz, as spring approaches, families thoroughly clean their homes. This 'spring clean' or 'dusting away of the past' is a symbolic act representing a fresh start and the purification of both physical and spiritual spaces. Additionally, those celebrating Nowruz often purchase new clothes, further emphasising the spirit of renewal and new beginnings. ADVERTISEMENT Sebeha Haft Sin - an arrangement of seven symbolic objects Canva The Table of Seven Symbols The Haft-Sin tablecloth is a central element of Nowruz, particularly in Iran. Artfully arranged, it features seven items, whose names begin with the letter "S" in Persian. Each item represents different aspects of life: Sabzeh (wheat or lentil sprouts) symbolises rebirth, infancy, and life. Samanu (a sweet pudding made from wheat germ) represents abundance and blessings. Senjed (dried fruit from the Senjed tree) symbolises love. Seer (garlic) represents health and healing. Seeb (apples) symbolise beauty and health. Somāq (sumac) signifies the victory of good over evil and the rising sun. Serkeh (vinegar) symbolises patience, aging, and the passage of time. In addition to these main symbols, other items starting with "S" may be included, such as hyacinths and a clock. The Haft-Sin table is often decorated with mirrors, candlesticks, coloured eggs, and red fish, which represent the passing of the twelfth and final zodiac sign, Pisces. Join Euronews Farsi on Instagram ADVERTISEMENT It is also common to place a Divan of Hafez's poems or the Qur'an on the table. Many families have a tradition of randomly opening the book and reading a poem or verse, seeking guidance for the year ahead. Haft Sin - Symbols of Nowruz related to the elements Canva Fire Rituals In many regions, people take part in fire-related celebrations, such as 'Chaharshanbe Suri' or 'Red Wednesday' in Iran. This celebration, on the last Tuesday before Nowruz, involves families gathering around a fire and jumping over it. The act symbolises cleansing, renewal, and liberation from past sorrows, while embracing the warmth and vitality of the spring season. Scarlet Wednesday; an Iranian festival celebrated on the eve of the last Wednesday before Nowruz AP Photo Traditional Foods Food plays a vital role during Nowruz, with special dishes prepared and shared among family and friends. In Iran, families celebrate the arrival of spring on the first day of Nowruz by enjoying dishes like vegetable pilaf and sabzi polow (herbed rice), often served with fish. ADVERTISEMENT A standout feature of the Nowruz feast is somālak (also known as sumanak ), a sweet dessert. Slowly cooked over several hours, somālak symbolises the gradual yet certain arrival of spring and the promise of new beginnings. Visiting Friends and Family During Nowruz, it is customary to visit friends and family. Younger family members traditionally visit their parents and older relatives to wish them a happy New Year and celebrate the arrival of spring. In return, elders often give gifts, typically in the form of aidi (cash), known locally as da'di , as a symbol of blessing. In Zoroastrian culture, this ritual represents mahrūrzai , a profound respect for the older generation. ADVERTISEMENT During these visits, families usually offer guests a variety of snacks, such as nuts (including pistachios, almonds, and dried fruits) and various pastries. However, this tradition is slowly fading in Iran due to the rising cost of living. 'Nature Day' Siyez-e Badr is an ancient Iranian tradition celebrated on the 13th day of April, also known as 'Nature Day'. It marks the conclusion of the Nowruz festivities and is typically a time when people leave their homes to spend the day outdoors. While the number 13 is often linked to bad luck in Iranian culture, this tradition of leaving the house is more closely associated with celebrating the natural world and the end of Nowruz, rather than any superstitions with the number itself.
