Protecting Traditional Values: A Call from Tashkent's Congress on Cultural Heritage
At a pivotal congress held at the Center for Islamic Civilization in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, over 300 scholars and historians convened to address the pressing need to protect traditional values in a world marked by conflict and discord. The three-day event, titled "Central Asia: A Common Spiritual and Educational Heritage – A Common Future," drew participants from diverse sectors, including international organizations, cultural institutions, and academia across Central Asia and Azerbaijan, uniting them under the shared objective of fostering peace and stability through the appreciation of their cultural heritage.
The congress commenced with an insightful address from Uzbekistan's President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. He underscored the importance of learning from history to confront contemporary challenges and promote inter-civilizational dialogue. Mirziyoyev's emphasis on the centuries-old bonds of friendship among the peoples of Central Asia created a unifying tone for the gathering, highlighting the region's rich intellectual and scientific legacy as a pivotal foundation for future progress.
As the event unfolded, themes of mutual influence among Central Asian cultures and their historical significance were thoroughly explored. Various discussions encapsulated the need to protect and popularize the interconnected spiritual and educational legacies that exemplify the region's identity. Special attention was given to collaborative endeavors aimed at enhancing science, education, and intercultural dialogue among the participant countries.
This congress was particularly symbolic, marking the first major international gathering in the newly established Center for Islamic Civilization. The complex, set to open to the public in March 2026, stands as a testament to the 3,000-year history of the region, celebrating both the Islamic Renaissance and the modern advancements of New Uzbekistan. Providing a platform for educational initiatives, this center aims to engage young people and foster international cultural dialogue, reinforcing the importance of shared spiritual heritage.
During the congress, participants from various sectors, including arts, religious institutions, and educational organizations, engaged in in-depth discussions regarding cultural preservation and sustainable development. Attendees also signed over 10 memorandums of cooperation, pledging to undertake joint research and projects that would underscore and promote their rich spiritual and cultural backgrounds.
In a notable resolution, the congress called upon states, academic institutions, and cultural actors to collaborate in shielding common values, fostering mutual understanding, and creating environments where education and knowledge are prioritized to cultivate peace and trust among nations. The establishment of the Kelajak Merosi International Award, an initiative by President Mirziyoyev to recognize those contributing to the study of Central Asia's heritage, was also supported during the congress.
The consensus among participants was clear: the lessons of the past need to inform future initiatives. The congress aimed to prepare a draft for a special resolution to be presented at the UN General Assembly, aimed at recognizing the impact of Central Asia's Islamic civilization on the evolution of global education, culture, and science.
Director of the Center for Islamic Civilization, Firdavs Abdukhalikov, articulated the vision for a collaborative future, emphasizing that Central Asia represents a space rich in ideas and creativity, where traditions of knowledge and enlightenment have flourished over the centuries. He remarked that this gathering at the heart of Tashkent is not merely about discussing historical ties but about nurturing a commitment toward shared understanding and cooperation in safeguarding their common heritage.
By jointly honoring their past while looking forward, representatives at this congress set forth a roadmap for nurturing a peaceful and progressive future, firmly rooted in the cultural traditions that have shaped their identities. The congress thus stands as a pivotal moment, encouraging ongoing dialogue and cooperation across borders, driven by the shared goal of preserving and celebrating what unites them: their invaluable heritage.
The congress commenced with an insightful address from Uzbekistan's President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. He underscored the importance of learning from history to confront contemporary challenges and promote inter-civilizational dialogue. Mirziyoyev's emphasis on the centuries-old bonds of friendship among the peoples of Central Asia created a unifying tone for the gathering, highlighting the region's rich intellectual and scientific legacy as a pivotal foundation for future progress.
As the event unfolded, themes of mutual influence among Central Asian cultures and their historical significance were thoroughly explored. Various discussions encapsulated the need to protect and popularize the interconnected spiritual and educational legacies that exemplify the region's identity. Special attention was given to collaborative endeavors aimed at enhancing science, education, and intercultural dialogue among the participant countries.
This congress was particularly symbolic, marking the first major international gathering in the newly established Center for Islamic Civilization. The complex, set to open to the public in March 2026, stands as a testament to the 3,000-year history of the region, celebrating both the Islamic Renaissance and the modern advancements of New Uzbekistan. Providing a platform for educational initiatives, this center aims to engage young people and foster international cultural dialogue, reinforcing the importance of shared spiritual heritage.
During the congress, participants from various sectors, including arts, religious institutions, and educational organizations, engaged in in-depth discussions regarding cultural preservation and sustainable development. Attendees also signed over 10 memorandums of cooperation, pledging to undertake joint research and projects that would underscore and promote their rich spiritual and cultural backgrounds.
In a notable resolution, the congress called upon states, academic institutions, and cultural actors to collaborate in shielding common values, fostering mutual understanding, and creating environments where education and knowledge are prioritized to cultivate peace and trust among nations. The establishment of the Kelajak Merosi International Award, an initiative by President Mirziyoyev to recognize those contributing to the study of Central Asia's heritage, was also supported during the congress.
The consensus among participants was clear: the lessons of the past need to inform future initiatives. The congress aimed to prepare a draft for a special resolution to be presented at the UN General Assembly, aimed at recognizing the impact of Central Asia's Islamic civilization on the evolution of global education, culture, and science.
Director of the Center for Islamic Civilization, Firdavs Abdukhalikov, articulated the vision for a collaborative future, emphasizing that Central Asia represents a space rich in ideas and creativity, where traditions of knowledge and enlightenment have flourished over the centuries. He remarked that this gathering at the heart of Tashkent is not merely about discussing historical ties but about nurturing a commitment toward shared understanding and cooperation in safeguarding their common heritage.
By jointly honoring their past while looking forward, representatives at this congress set forth a roadmap for nurturing a peaceful and progressive future, firmly rooted in the cultural traditions that have shaped their identities. The congress thus stands as a pivotal moment, encouraging ongoing dialogue and cooperation across borders, driven by the shared goal of preserving and celebrating what unites them: their invaluable heritage.
Topics People & Culture）
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