The Soviet War Cemetery Experience received a special delegation from Uzbekistan last weekend. Representatives of the Religious Administration of the Muslims of Uzbekistan, the Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Embassy of Uzbekistan in the Benelux visited the museum and the Soviet War Cemetery in Leusden.
During Ramadan, the delegation is visiting various countries to commemorate war victims from the former Soviet Union.
The visitors were welcomed by Remco Reiding, Director of the Soviet War Cemetery Experience. Natalia de Jong, Coordinator of International Relations, showed them around the museum. The delegation expressed great appreciation for the way the history of the Soviet War Cemetery is told.
The film, the VR experience, but also the exhibition about the group of 101 Soviet soldiers who lost their lives in and around Camp Amersfoort made a great impression. Many of these soldiers came from Central Asian Soviet republics, including Uzbekistan.
The museum space dedicated to Dmitri Khmel also stirred strong emotions. According to the delegation, the story of families who lived in uncertainty for decades regarding the fate of their father, husband, or brother is relatable to many relatives. “There are millions of families who know a similar story,” said one of the attendees.
A young member of the delegation indicated that the manner in which the story is told in the museum deeply moved him. According to him, hardly anywhere in the world do you see this history presented in such a modern and relatable way.
After the visit to the museum, the delegation went to the Soviet War Cemetery. There, a prayer was offered for all war dead. A moving moment for all present.
The delegation consisted of Shovkat Khamdamov and Nurilo Saydullowev (Religious Administration of the Muslims of Uzbekistan) and Kosimzhon Sharipov (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan). They were accompanied by Ambassador Fazilov and staff from the embassy.
