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A prestigious international conference was inaugurated at a high level at the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan. The event brought together statesmen and public figures, leading scholars, representatives of international organizations, members of the diplomatic corps, and media professionals. The conference is significant for its focus on strengthening scientific cooperation, conducting in-depth studies of historical heritage, and promoting its global importance to a wider audience.

The event began with the reading of a congratulatory message from the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, addressed to the participants of the conference. The message was delivered by the Presidential Advisor and People’s Writer of Uzbekistan, Khayriddin Sultanov. The address emphasized the large-scale reforms being implemented in the country, as well as ongoing efforts to restore national history and cultural heritage and present it to the international community.

“In New Uzbekistan, extensive work is being carried out to study the role and significance of Amir Temur and the Timurid legacy in the history of world civilization, to widely promote it both domestically and abroad, and to educate young people in the spirit of love for the homeland and respect for national and universal values.

In particular, a special resolution has been adopted on the occasion of the 690th anniversary of Amir Temur. According to this document, April has been declared the ‘Month of Amir Temur’ in our country, and it has been stipulated that scientific and practical conferences, as well as spiritual and educational events, will be organized at both national and international levels every year. Today’s conference is another practical step in this direction, and together with dedicated scholars and researchers like you — true friends of Uzbekistan — we will continue to strengthen cooperation in studying the Timurid Renaissance and our rich heritage, and in further introducing the global community to the social and spiritual reforms taking place in our country,” the message stated.

Speakers at the opening ceremony elaborated on the personality and activities of Amir Temur, highlighting his invaluable contribution to the formation of statehood traditions, principles of justice, and a strong centralized system of governance. It was emphasized that the Timurid era played a significant role not only in Central Asia but also in the development of world civilization as a whole.

The plenary session organized within the framework of the conference was moderated by the Director of the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, Firdavs Abdukhalikov. During the session, a comprehensive presentation on the Center’s activities was delivered, providing detailed information on its research work, exhibitions, cultural and educational initiatives, as well as its international partnerships.

“First of all, I sincerely congratulate you on today’s historic occasion — the 690th anniversary of the birth of Sahibqiran Amir Temur — and express my deep gratitude for your participation in this prestigious international conference. At this very moment, as the conference begins its work, a wreath-laying ceremony is being held at the monument of Amir Temur in our capital with the participation of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. This year, thorough and comprehensive preparations have been made for the 690th anniversary of Sahibqiran. At the initiative of our Head of State, large-scale reconstruction work has been carried out at the State Museum of the Temurids. The museum has been presented to our people in a renewed form,” said the Director of the Center.

During the plenary session, participants shared their views on the scientific heritage of the Timurid era, its relevance in modern research, and future prospects.

The second plenary session featured prominent international scholars and experts, including ICESCO Regional Director Anar Karimov, academician of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan Akmal Saidov, and Director of IRCICA Mahmud Erol Kılıç. In their speeches, they discussed the place of the Timurid era in world civilization and emphasized the need for a comprehensive study of its cultural, spiritual, and scientific heritage.

During the session, Damir Mukhetdinov, Deputy Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia, and Irina Popova, a representative of the Russian Academy of Sciences, also delivered presentations. They highlighted the scientific significance of unique sources such as the “Temur’s Code,” as well as the governance system of the Timurid state and its historical legacy.

Another important event within the conference was the recognition of the Museum of the History of Islamic Civilization, operating within the Center, as the “Best Museum in the Turkic World” by TURKSOY. The prestigious certificate was ceremoniously presented by the organization’s Secretary General, reflecting the Center’s growing international recognition in a short period of time.

The conference is attended by leading scholars from countries such as Türkiye, France, Italy, Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, China, India, Iran, and Kazakhstan. They are presenting the results of their research on various aspects of the Timurid era, including its history, political system, urban planning traditions, and the development of science and culture.

In their speeches, foreign participants emphasized the global significance of the Timurid legacy and its role in strengthening cultural ties between European and Asian civilizations. It was also noted that such international conferences play an important role in developing academic dialogue, exchanging experience, and identifying new directions for research.

This conference has become an important step toward the in-depth study of the rich scientific and cultural heritage of the Timurid era, further highlighting its role in the development of world civilization, and preserving this invaluable legacy for future generations.

Sultan Raev, Secretary General of TURKSOY:

“It is well known from history that the land of Uzbekistan, located at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road, has long been one of the cradles of high civilization and culture. The fact that two great Renaissances originated here clearly confirms how sacred this land is and how wise the Uzbek people are. Understanding Sahibqiran Amir Temur means rediscovering the roots that unite us around a shared history and culture. This conference serves precisely this noble purpose.

The TURKSOY organization is also ready to contribute comprehensively to projects aimed at promoting works related to the Timurid era through academic publications, supporting book publishing, and digitizing this heritage. I would also like to note that under the leadership of its wise leader, the great statesman of our time, Shavkat Miromonovich, the people of Uzbekistan are not only proud of their history but are striving to be worthy of their ancestors. The country has set itself the great goal of establishing the Third Renaissance and is moving confidently toward the future through practical steps.”

Farhan Nizami, Director of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies:

“In my opinion, this initiative is extremely important as it once again reminds the broader public of Central Asia’s immense contribution not only to regional culture and civilization but also to world history. Here, people gain a deeper understanding of the great achievements of our ancestors in science, literature, architecture, and other fields. Most importantly, this initiative serves as a source of inspiration and motivation for the present generation, helping them to understand their identity and clearly define their historical and future aspirations.”

Mahmud Erol Kılıç, Director of the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA):

“Although our organization has 57 member states, Uzbekistan holds a special place. This is because it is the birthplace of some of the greatest scholars of the Islamic world and a land of unparalleled discoveries, cultural monuments, rich history, and great civilizations. Today’s conference also demonstrates the great attention paid by the people and leadership of Uzbekistan to the study of the legacy of their great ancestors, history, and culture. We are implementing a number of projects in cooperation with the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan. In particular, work is ongoing on the ‘Encyclopedia of Scholars Originating from the Land of Uzbekistan.’ Within the framework of this conference, we also discussed organizing calligraphy competitions and a number of projects focused on the place of the Timurid legacy in the Islamic world.”

Gu Guoxin, Head of the International Relations Department of the Cinematography Committee of the People’s Republic of China:

“The peoples of China and Uzbekistan are connected by centuries-old cultural ties. These relations were especially strengthened during the Timurid era. Historical sources reflect the visits of ambassadors of Mirzo Ulugbek and Shahrukh to the Chinese emperor and the establishment of mutually beneficial relations. Many historic cities of Uzbekistan are located along the Great Silk Road, which has played a significant role in the history of relations between our two peoples. During this conference, I delivered a presentation on these historical ties. A bilateral cooperation memorandum was signed, which envisages the implementation of a number of film projects in collaboration with the Islamic Civilization Center in the future. We hope this cooperation will yield fruitful results.”

Aktoty Raimkulova, Head of the International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation:

“We are witnessing the opening of a prestigious scientific and practical conference dedicated to the immense contribution of Amir Temur and the Timurid civilization to global development.

Distinguished scholars and researchers from different parts of the world are participating in this conference. The Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, established at the initiative of Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has today become one of the world’s most prestigious and spiritually rich scientific institutions. During our visit to the Center, we became acquainted with the hall dedicated to Amir Temur. In particular, the Second Renaissance hall, devoted to the Timurid civilization, left a strong impression due to its rich content and high artistic quality.

The legacy of Amir Temur and the Timurid civilization plays an important role in the development of our peoples and in today’s path of independence and progress. I wish great success to all conference participants, scholars, and researchers.”