Islamic Heritage Takes Center Stage at Global Forum in Uzbekistan
Associating Islam with violence contradicts its true – Education, scientific collaboration, and cultural exchange are emerging as vital instruments for fostering dialogue during the inaugural International Forum of Islamic Civilisation. Scholars and government officials have convened in Uzbekistan to examine how Islamic heritage shapes contemporary global discussions. The five-day gathering brings together more than 450 participants—including researchers, religious figures, diplomats, and academics—from over fifty nations. Events are spread across three historic cities: Tashkent, Samarkand, and Termez.
The Centre of Islamic Civilisation in Uzbekistan organized this significant gathering, which emphasizes the contributions of Islamic civilization to intellectual life, education, and scientific advancement. Additionally, the forum explores innovative approaches to international academic collaboration. During the opening ceremony, Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev addressed the assembly, noting that the world currently experiences profound transformation characterized by conflict, extremism, mistrust, and Islamophobia. He emphasized that science, culture, education, and shared moral principles continue to serve as essential pillars for sustainable development, dialogue, and peace.
Challenging Misconceptions About Islam
According to organizers, a primary objective of the forum involves countering narratives that link Islam with violence or extremism. This is accomplished by showcasing centuries of scholarly achievement and scientific progress. Rustam Jabborov, who serves as Scientific Secretary of the Centre of Islamic Civilisation in Uzbekistan, shared his perspective with Euronews:
“The main purpose of this forum is to once again demonstrate the contribution of Muslim scholars to world civilisation and to show that Islam has always called for knowledge, education and humanism.”
“Associating Islam with violence or extremism contradicts its true nature.”
The discussions highlight the enduring legacy of Central Asian scholars whose groundbreaking work revolutionized fields including philosophy, medicine, astronomy, and mathematics. Dr. Salem bin Mohammed Al-Malik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), noted that this historical influence remains relevant in modern times:
“AI could not exist without the principles that were laid down by Al-Khwarizmi. Astronomy would not be where it is without Ulugh Beg and Al-Biruni. We have to be proud of our Islamic scholars.”
Technology Meets Tradition
Participants are also investigating how artificial intelligence can assist in cataloguing, studying, and preserving ancient manuscripts. Broader efforts aim to strengthen academic exchanges and international research partnerships. Abdul-Ati Al-Sharqawi, Chairman of the Board of the Science Foundation for the Revival of Heritage and Digital Services in London and Cairo, emphasized that Uzbekistan’s scientific contributions extend well beyond its geographical boundaries:
“This country used to export great science, literature and creativity to the whole world.”
Al-Sharqawi further explained that researchers have identified approximately 100,000 manuscripts created by Transoxiana scholars, which are now housed in libraries across the globe. New discoveries continue to surface regularly.
Uzbekistan’s Growing Regional Role
Kürşad Zorlu, Türkiye’s Deputy Chairman of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party), characterized the forum as evidence of Uzbekistan’s expanding influence within both the Islamic and Turkic communities:
“Today Uzbekistan is home to a very important organisation for the Turkic and Islamic world. We see that the reforms carried out over the past ten years are crowned by this important institution.”
“With its strength from more than 3,000 years of history, Uzbekistan has now become one of the important centres of Islamic civilisation. In this sense, Uzbekistan is of great importance to Türkiye.”
The forum’s program runs through July 10, during which participants will present over 70 collaborative initiatives involving universities, museums, research institutions, and international organizations. The agenda also encompasses the anticipated adoption of the Tashkent Declaration, alongside conversations regarding future cooperation in manuscript preservation, education, research, and digital technologies.
