These days, one of Bukhara’s renowned craftsmen, Bakhshulla Jumayev, is in especially high spirits. Having elevated gold embroidery to an art form and participated in prestigious international exhibitions in more than twenty countries, with many students not only in Uzbekistan but also abroad, he is now proud not of his own achievements, but of his grandson’s success.

“Amirbek has been admitted on a full scholarship to a number of the world’s most prestigious universities — Stanford, Caltech, and Brown,” he said, sharing the news with friends and relatives. “Our children and grandchildren are surpassing us. I am grateful to have lived to see such days. There was a time when even a small thorn pricking his hand would leave me worried. Now, I can hardly contain my pride at my grandson’s achievements.”

Fellow artisan and painter Aslon Ramazanov echoed the sentiment. "They say greatness begins in childhood," Ramazanov noted. I have often seen Amirbek confidently speaking English with foreign tourists in your museum-like workshop, and how impressed they were by his knowledge and intellect.”

Amirbek Bakhshullayev, a senior student at School No. 1 in Bukhara, has achieved remarkable results. The 16-year-old recently secured scholarships totaling $2 million, enabling him to study at five foreign universities ahead of schedule. His success reflects the results of ongoing education reforms in the country.

“I was born and raised in a family of craftsmen,” Amirbek said. “We live in the very heart of the old city, and our family workshop constantly receives tourists. I have spoken with more than 1,000 foreign visitors. With the support of my teachers and through real-life communication, my interest in learning languages has grown. I received a full scholarship to Stanford University, which covers not only tuition but also transportation, accommodation, and food expenses. I plan to study nuclear engineering and work on nuclear fusion propulsion technology. After completing my studies, I want to return to Uzbekistan and contribute to the development of this field so that there will be no problems with electricity supply.”

He also plans to expand the gold embroidery house-museum and further promote Uzbekistan’s rich national culture globally.

"Uzbekistan is one of the few countries that actively encourages studying abroad,” Amirbek added. “All the necessary conditions have been created for young people to receive quality education. I encourage my peers to make wise use of these opportunities.”

Amirbek is not an isolated case in the region. The drive for academic excellence is spreading among Bukhara’s youth. For instance, Dilnura Saidova and Sabina Koyirova, students at School No. 26, also recently secured early university placements. Both students achieved perfect scores of 189 points in English, native language, mathematics, and history through a combination of national and international certifications.

Istam Ibrohimov, “Xalq So‘zi”