Fazliddin Muradov, London, and Prof M Shahed Quraishi, Doncaster, UK
In October, Samarqand in Central Asia hosted a unique meeting of otolaryngologists and head and neck surgeons at the 6th Congress of Otolaryngologists from Uzbekistan. This was held in combination with the 2nd Asian Otolaryngologists’ summit. Over three days we witnessed an amazing scientific and cultural extravaganza in three languages - Uzbek, Russian and English, ably supported by real-time translation. 
Welcome Uzbek Cultural show for the delegates
Prof Sayfutdin Arifov, President, and Prof Ulugbek Khasanov, Chair, were the principal hosts. The conference kicked off with an introductory session by speeches from the leaders of ORL societies from Uzbekistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, Egypt, Hong Kong and Azerbaijan as well as the IFOS President. With nearly a thousand delegates, volunteers and exhibitors, the event was held in four parallel sessions every day and it was standing room only. 
From L-R: Fazliddin Muradov, Prof Ulugbek Khasanov (chairperson), Prof Shahed Quraishi OBE
Europe was well represented with speakers from UK, Germany, Austria, Albania, Bosnia Herzegovina, Ukraine, Belgium, Spain, Slovakia, Denmark, Belarus, Montenegro and Italy. In addition, there were delegates and speakers from China, Iran, Tanzania, Singapore, Malaysia, Ghana and Saudi Arabia.
Prof Ulugbek spoke on the prospects of development of otolaryngology in Uzbekistan, which was followed by an update on IFOS activities by Prof Ozgur Yigit from Türkiye. With over 250 talks and panel discussions over three days, nearly every scientific and topical issue affecting Otolaryngology was covered. Almost comparable to any IFOS meeting!
Strolling in the Heart of Central Asia: Registan Square, Samarqand, Uzbekistan
The event covered important topics such as olfactology and current management guidelines of skull base pathology in Central Asia and Russia. The audiology and vestibular session had talks on plasticity in central auditory system in children with hearing impairment and presentations on current diagnostic and management options for patients with congenital vestibular disorders. In the paediatric session it was interesting to hear the presentations of the different Central Asian countries highlighting their paediatric otolaryngology service development over the years. Perhaps the most popular sessions were on rhinology and anterior skull base sessions, which covered sinonasal tumours, aesthetic and functional rhinology and a nice review on the international consensus on septal perforation management. Overall, a very comprehensive meeting covering different clinical cultures and pathologies. 
The Mausoleum of Amir Temur, Samarqand, Uzbekistan
Samarqand was once the central point of the Ancient Silk Route and once again fulfilled its role of connecting civilisations, something which it has been doing for more than two thousand years. For many who were visiting for the first time, the stunning architecture and art of the Uzbek legacy dating back to the time of Temur Lane seemed straight out of Aladin’s tales. Registan Square, Samarqand is the heart of Central Asian art and history with its magnificent buildings and was frequented by most in the evenings, along with visits to the carpet, crafts and food bazaars.
A remarkable feat by the local organisers and a thankyou from across the globe for hosting such a successful meeting in such pleasant surroundings.
