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We previously reported that Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, attended as an honorary guest the international scientific and practical conference titled “Scientific Tradition in Islamic Civilization: Resources, Potential, and Challenges,” held in cooperation with Malaysia at the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan.

During this international academic dialogue, the Queen emphasized that relations between Uzbekistan and Malaysia are rooted in deep historical ties, noting that the Great Silk Road had connected the two regions for centuries. It was also highlighted at the conference that the legacy of great scholars such as Imam al-Bukhari, al-Maturidi, al-Biruni, and Ibn Sina had long ago reached the territory of Malaysia and continues to be studied in educational institutions there.

Within the framework of the event, important agreements and memorandums aimed at further expanding scientific and educational cooperation between Uzbekistan and Malaysia were signed. New promising plans were outlined to strengthen ties between the higher educational institutions, research centers, and cultural organizations of the two countries, as well as to conduct joint research and promote the study and popularization of scientific heritage.

Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia:

It is a great honor for me to be with you at this international conference dedicated to scientific traditions in Islamic civilization.

Uzbekistan is one of the important centers in the history of Muslim scholarship. The names associated with this land are still mentioned with great respect throughout the Muslim world today. Samarkand and Bukhara are renowned not only for their beauty, but also for the scientific traditions that flourished there. When we remember scholars such as Imam al-Bukhari, Imam al-Maturidi, and al-Biruni, we understand that this land stood at the heart of a civilization where knowledge and honor prevailed.

Our main task today is not merely to praise this great heritage, but to revive it. That is why such conferences are important: they not only unite scholars, but also ensure continuity between generations. Cooperation between Malaysia and Uzbekistan demonstrates a shared aspiration for knowledge, heritage, and progress.

Although we are geographically distant, we are connected through knowledge and civilization. Islamic civilization has never belonged to a single nation — it is a shared heritage. However, merely inheriting this legacy is not enough. One must prove worthy of it. This can be achieved through the pursuit of truth, humility, justice, and proper conduct.

Let us not limit ourselves to celebrating the past, but also take responsibility for the future.

Let us seek knowledge with humility and build cooperation with sincerity.

As part of the conference program, the Queen of Malaysia also closely familiarized with the museum exhibitions of the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan.

In the section dedicated to the First Renaissance period, she expressed particular interest in the scientific flourishing of the 9th–12th centuries, the schools of science formed in Mawarannahr and Khorasan, and the activities of great scholars of that era.

During the museum tour, the original Kiswahs of the Holy Kaaba dating back to 1988 and 2023 left a profound impression on the distinguished guest. The honored visitor also showed great interest in the letters sent by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to world rulers, the scholarly environment of Bayt al-Hikmah, and rare scientific instruments such as the astrolabe.

The Seljuk state symbol featuring the image of a double-headed eagle, precious jewelry and examples of applied art, as well as information about the history of the Magoki Attori Mosque in Bukhara, also attracted the guest’s attention.

During her visit to the Hall of the Holy Qur’an, the rare silk carpets and the sacred Uthman Mushaf placed beneath the Center’s 65-meter dome deeply moved the Queen.

At the conclusion of the visit, Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah left her impressions in the Book of Honored Guests. She highly praised the Center’s academic potential, modern approaches, and unique exhibitions, emphasizing that such institutions play an important role in the development of international scholarly cooperation.

The visit and the discussions held within the framework of the conference are significant in elevating scientific and educational relations between Uzbekistan and Malaysia to a new level, deepening the study of their shared history and cultural heritage, and bringing this legacy to the wider public.