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The initiatives put forward by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, during the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2017 marked the beginning of a new stage in the study and promotion of the rich scholarly and spiritual heritage of Islamic civilization. This was once again demonstrated at the First International Islamic Civilization Forum, which brought together nearly 300 participants from more than 40 countries, including statesmen, public figures, foreign scholars, muftis, distinguished Islamic scholars, academics, researchers, museum and library directors, as well as representatives of international organizations and the media. The forum aims to promote Islam’s message of peace, tolerance, and enlightenment to the international community. Sheikh Nuriddin Kholiqnazar, Chairman of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan and Mufti, welcomed the participants and highlighted the large-scale religious and educational reforms being carried out in the country.

Sheikh Nuriddin Kholiqnazar, Chairman of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan and Mufti:

“On the occasion of the opening of the First International Islamic Civilization Forum at the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, established at the initiative of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, we sincerely congratulate all of you.

It is a great honor and a source of pride for our country to host at this prestigious forum leaders of international organizations, eminent scholars, muftis, statesmen, public figures, academics, and heads of scientific institutions from many countries around the world.

Today, we praise Almighty Allah for blessing the Muslim world with distinguished scholars such as yourselves, who worthily continue the scholarly traditions of the great luminaries of Islamic civilization, including Imam Bukhari, Imam Tirmidhi, Imam Maturidi, and Burhanuddin Marghinani.

In recent years, New Uzbekistan has undertaken extensive efforts to promote the true humanistic essence of the noble religion of Islam, to study the invaluable scholarly and spiritual legacy of our great scholars, and to present it to the international community. Among these initiatives, the Imam al-Bukhari Complex in Samarkand has been reconstructed in a modern architectural style. An International Scientific Research Center, an innovative museum, and a Higher School of Hadith Studies have been established there. Likewise, the Imam Tirmidhi Complex in Termez has been rebuilt, accompanied by the establishment of an International Scientific Research Center, an Islamic institute, and other religious educational institutions. Special attention is also being devoted to researching and promoting the legacy of Imam Maturidi, Bahauddin Naqshband, and many other great scholars.

Islamic civilization is a source of knowledge, wisdom, justice, mercy, and tolerance. A profound understanding of its true essence and the promotion of its noble values to humanity are among the most important responsibilities of our time. In this regard, we hope, insha’Allah, that this forum will unite scholars and researchers from different countries around a common goal to widely promote the true essence of Islam as a civilization founded upon peace, enlightenment, and humanitarian values. The plenary sessions, scholarly discussions, and conferences held within the framework of the forum will provide an important platform for exchanging academically grounded views on key issues related to Islamic civilization, while strengthening mutual cooperation and the sharing of experience.

In New Uzbekistan, the legacy of our great ancestors serves as one of the strongest pillars supporting the reforms aimed at achieving spiritual renewal and laying the foundation for the Third Renaissance. The scholarly treasure left by Imam Bukhari, Imam Maturidi, Imam Tirmidhi, Bahauddin Naqshband, Abu Rayhan Biruni, Ibn Sina, and hundreds of other distinguished scholars is not only the heritage of the Muslim Ummah but also a shared treasure of all humanity. As the heirs to this magnificent legacy, we regard it as our sacred duty to uphold the pursuit of knowledge, foster tolerance, strengthen peace, and educate the younger generation in accordance with the authentic teachings of Islam.”