Scientific and Cultural Dialogue in the Capital of Islamic Culture

On May 27, an international forum titled “The Spiritual Heritage and Cultural Expressions in the Islamic World: Calligraphy, Music, Poetry, and Solidarity” was held in the city of Samarkand. The prestigious event was organized at the initiative of ICESCO in connection with Samarkand being declared the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World for 2025. Among the participants were Ministers of Culture from ICESCO member states, heads of international organizations and institutions, representatives of the Government of Uzbekistan, as well as Shovosil Ziyodov, Director of the Imam Bukhari International Scientific Research Center.

In his speech, the scholar emphasized that as a result of wide-ranging reforms carried out in Uzbekistan, significant steps have been taken to study and scientifically research the country’s religious and educational heritage. He highlighted that every inch of Samarkand is infused with the spirit of knowledge and enlightenment, and that this sacred land has given rise to great thinkers such as Imam Maturidi, Imam Dabusi, and Imam Darimi.

Mr. Ziyodov also spoke about the efforts undertaken by the Center to deeply study and analyze the rich scholarly and spiritual legacy of these prominent scholars, and to present it to the global academic community using modern scientific methodologies. He noted that such initiatives, along with the establishment of international cooperation and scholarly platforms, serve to promote dialogue and spiritual rapprochement among nations.

The forum not only shed light on the high values of Islamic culture but also served as a vital foundation for strengthening cultural ties among countries of the world. Uzbekistan’s active participation in such events is yet another testament to the country’s contribution to the development of global civilization and spirituality.