Vital platform fostering dialogue for peace, tolerance, and enlightenment
Today, the concepts of peace, social stability, mutual understanding, and enlightenment-driven progress are increasingly important. These objectives are directly addressed by the First International Islamic Civilization Forum: The Path of Peace, Tolerance, and Enlightenment.
The event gathered scholars, experts, and public figures from various countries to discuss the humanistic, educational, and peace-oriented principles of the sacred religion of Islam.
The prestigious international forum, which began in Tashkent and will continue in Samarkand and Termez, was organized in cooperation with the Islamic Civilization Centre, the Committee on Religious Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Imam Maturidi, Imam Bukhari, and Imam Termizi International Research Centres, the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan, the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO).
On the forum’s first day, the Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent hosted a diverse gathering including government officials, ministers, muftis, renowned scholars and theologians, academicians, researchers, museum and library leaders, as well as representatives from international organizations and the media from numerous countries.
Advisor to the President Khayriddin Sultonov read out an address by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the forum participants.
The address highlighted that the country’s significant scientific and cultural accomplishments, achieved during the major revival periods, the First and Second Renaissances, remain a source of inspiration for humanity’s future achievements. Currently, New Uzbekistan, in collaboration with the international community, is working to establish the foundations of the Third Renaissance.
The significant legacy of our renowned compatriots and distinguished thinkers, such as Muhammad al-Khwarizmi, Ahmad al-Fegani, Abu Rayhan Beruni, Abu Ali ibn Sina, Mirzo Ulugbek, Alisher Navoi, Babur Mirzo, Imam Bukhari, Imam Termizi, Imam Maturidi, and Burhaniddin Marghinani, occupies a vital place in the global intellectual heritage. Their contributions continue to form a crucial spiritual groundwork that supports the progress of the Third Renaissance.
The speakers highlighted that Islam’s constructive and humanistic principles have significantly contributed to global civilization. They emphasized the importance of the scholarly work of notable thinkers from Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, which plays a unique role in Islamic history. Additionally, they pointed out that exploring this heritage deeply and spreading its educational concepts widely are key focus areas of the ongoing reforms in New Uzbekistan.
The forum aims to showcase Islam’s peaceful nature, highlight its important role in advancing science, culture, and spirituality, and promote peace, tolerance, and enlightenment in the contemporary world.
Additionally, the forum aims to showcase Uzbekistan’s rich historical and scholarly heritage to the international academic community, enhance the Islamic Civilization Center’s reputation as a global scientific and educational hub, and highlight the international recognition of reform outcomes in the religious and educational sectors.
The event also acts as a key preparatory phase for special presentations focused on Islamic civilization and the legacy of great ancestors. These presentations, initiated by the Head of State, are scheduled to take place this year at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and Geneva, as well as at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.
On the first day of the forum, participants discussed religious and educational reforms in New Uzbekistan, the ideas of the Third Renaissance, the contribution of Turkic peoples to the development of Islamic civilization, the scholarly heritage in the fields of hadith studies, fiqh and theology, issues related to the preservation and digitization of manuscripts, Islamic art, and the role of education and enlightenment in the development of civilizations.
Nazokat Usmanova, UzA
