MEMORANDUM SIGNED ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2026, IN NEW YORK BETWEEN ITF AND ALFRAGANUS UNIVERSITY
In the buzzy heart of Manhattan, floating above the city at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, representatives of the International Turon Federation (ITF), USA, and Alfraganus University of Uzbekistan gathered on September 12 to sign a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at bringing the traditional Uzbek martial art to new academic and international heights.
More than a ceremonial agreement, the MoU is a symbol of recognition for the ancient Uzbek martial art Turon, laying the groundwork for its inclusion in higher education, and strengthening of cooperation between our countries.
During the meeting, Alfraganus University Rector Azizjon Ismoilov, ITF President Farrukh Niyazimbetov, ITF Vice President Ravshanbek Almatov, Deputy Chair of “Vatan New York” Fatima Mukimova, and “Mardlik” Order recipient, renowned journalist Otabek Mahkamov emphasized the importance of the agreement and discussed the future of Turon and its prospects for reaching a broader international audience. Their discussions reflected a shared commitment to preserving Uzbekistan’s national heritage while creating opportunities for Turon’s development both at home and abroad.
THE ACADEMIC FUTURE OF TURON
The Memorandum officially recognizes Turon as a national martial art of the Uzbek people and sets an ambitious goal for both parties — to create a full academic foundation for training a new generation of specialists.
For the first time in the history of academic education, Alfraganus University plans to launch a bachelor’s degree program in Turon starting from the 2027/2028 academic year. This means training professional coaches, certifying judges, and forming a scientific school of Turon within Uzbekistan’s higher education system.
The curriculum will be developed jointly with ITF and based on the federation’s official documents. ITF will provide methodological materials, training programs, video courses, and will participate in instructor training.
A CLEAR IMPLEMENTATION PLAN HAS BEEN OUTLINED:
• DECEMBER 2026 — CREATION OF A WORKING GROUP AND APPROVAL OF THE PROGRAM CONCEPT
• 2027 — ACADEMIC PREPARATION, INSTRUCTOR TRAINING, CERTIFICATION
• SEPTEMBER 2027 — ADMISSION OF THE FIRST COHORT OF STUDENTS
But this is only the beginning. The parties agreed to develop scientific research on the history, biomechanics, methodology, and pedagogy of Turon. The results will be published in academic journals, bringing Turon into the sphere of scientific study for the first time.
ITF will annually provide free training for at least five instructors and ten students, conduct seminars, masterclasses, and courses, and ensure participation of university representatives in international competitions organized by the Federation. An annual scientificpractical conference on Turon will also be held.
A FUTURE INTERNATIONAL TRAINING CENTER
One of the most promising directions of the Memorandum is exploring the establishment of a Turon training and certification center at Alfraganus University. In the future, this center will be able to host delegations from various ITF member countries, serving as an international hub for professional training, certification, and academic study of Turon.
The agreement signed atop SUMMIT One Vanderbilt marks a step toward transforming Turon from a sports discipline into a full academic science while expanding its reach internationally. Through higher education, research, professional training and competition, the traditional martial art has an opportunity to evolve and reach a new generation while preserving an important part of Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage.
From the top of Manhattan, Turon is setting its sights on new heights.
Ravshan Almatov,
ITF, Vice-President