International Scholars Rally Behind Uzbekistan’s Cultural Renaissance

A gathering of over 300 scholars from 35 countries concludes with a unanimous endorsement of Uzbekistan’s cultural initiatives. 

Attendants of the 8th International Congress of the World Society for the Study, Preservation and Popularization of the Cultural Legacy of Uzbekistan (WOSCU) have united in support of the preservation and promotion of the cultural legacy of Uzbekistan for world civilisation.

Held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, the Congress brought together representatives of leading international organisations, including ISESCO (the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), the Organization of Turkic States, IRCICA (the Turkish Research Centre For Islamic History, Art and Culture), the French Institute of the Arab World, the Turkic Academy and the League of Arab States.

At the congress, participants were read a congratulatory message from President Mirziyoyev. “On behalf of our people and myself, let me take this opportunity to express our deep gratitude to you,” the President’s message read.

“Scientists and researchers, publishers and journalists, representatives of different countries who have shown interest and dedication in the study, preservation and popularization of the ancient and unique cultural heritage of our people, as well as to all who carefully preserve our historical and cultural monuments in various foundations and collections around the world and who closely cooperate with Uzbek specialists – the doors of our leading research and educational institutions, especially the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, are always open for you.”

Over four days of discussions, more than 300 reports, proposals, interviews, statements and presentations were made, culminating in an international agreement laying forth the roadmap for 150 new joint projects involving over 1,000 researchers and scholars from around the world, such as Shahin Mustafayev, Director of the Turkic Academy, Sandro Teti from Sandro Teti Editore publishing house, Natalie Bondil from the Institute of the Arab World and Dr. Seyyed Abolhasan Navvab, Chancellor of the University of Religions and Denominations.

The Congress was finalised in the signing of the Samarkand Declaration, confirming participants’ commitment to the ideas of progress and enlightenment. A unique major project – the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan – initiated by the Uzbek President, received high applause in the address.

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“International experts showed broad support for ideas of a humane and enlightened Islam, expressed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the UN General Assembly, and emphasised the importance of spiritual enrichment,” said Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Center for Islamic Civilization.

Also presented at the Congress were 10 new volumes to add to the “Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan in World Collections” (volumes 71-80), a series documenting the treasures of Uzbek heritage in museums around the world, including the UK, Germany, Denmark, India, Russia, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Promoting the cultural legacy of the Turkic world

The signing of the Samarkand Declaration marks a significant moment for Uzbekistan, underlining the country’s growing international influence and recognising its efforts to preserve and promote the Turkic world’s rich cultural heritage.

Scholars at the Congress noted Uzbekistan’s commitment to preserving its historical sites, promoting cultural tourism and investing in education and research. They emphasised the importance of initiatives such as these for fostering cultural understanding and promoting peace and cooperation.

“New Uzbekistan is increasingly gaining international authority as one of the centres of science and enlightenment,” Director of the London-based Al-Furqan Foundation, Sali Shakhsivari stated in a presidential address on behalf of attending scholars.

“We fully share your conviction that high spirituality, enlightenment, as well as the study and preservation of the country’s cultural heritage, are the key to the sustainable development of the state and the creation of a prosperous future.”

New joint projects as outlined in the Declaration will serve to further inform and educate the world about the contribution of Oriental culture to the development of world civilisation, enriching exhibitions at the new Center of Islamic Civilization and contributing to the development of international science and culture.

Building the Center of Islamic Civilization

A central theme at the 8th International Congress was the Center of Islamic Civilization, an ambitious project currently being built in Tashkent under the initiative of Uzbek President Mirziyoyev.

Once complete, the Center of Islamic Civilization will serve as a major hub for research, education and cultural exchange related to Islamic civilisation. It will be involved in developing new archaeological and ethnographic expeditions, reproducing important manuscripts and, even, introducing artificial intelligence to scientific activities.

“We consider it our most important task, not only to join the activities of the Center of Islamic Civilization, but also to create a powerful and rapidly developing scientific and cultural platform that will become a bright beacon of enlightenment and knowledge in the East,” Shakhsivari said during the presidential address.

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“This cultural and humanistic mega-project will give a powerful impetus to fundamental research dedicated to the worthy contribution of great Eastern scholars and thinkers to the development of world science and civilisation, including Islamic.”

‘Enlightenment against ignorance’

At a time when the world reels from ideological wars and the rise of nationalist politics, the Center of Islamic Civilization will be a powerful institution of enlightenment for the global community.

“We are concerned about the situation in the world and believe that the ideas of the President of Uzbekistan on the humanistic and educational essence of the religion of Islam […] are worthy of the closest attention,” international scholars stated. “The implementation of these ideas under the motto ‘enlightenment against ignorance’ will serve to strengthen peace and cooperation.” 

“We call on all scholars and researchers, representatives of culture and the public to unite around this large-scale project, which will undoubtedly open up new opportunities and prospects for international cooperation.”

The ongoing work of the Center of Islamic Civilization alongside the joint projects agreed upon at the 8th International Congress will help preserve Uzbek, Eastern and Islamic culture and heritage for the education of future generations. For, as noted by Abdukhalikov in the address to President Mirziyoyev, “the cultural legacy of Uzbekistan is the property of all mankind!”