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Tashkent is rapidly emerging as a major center of humanitarian diplomacy. Today, the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan officially opened the First International Islamic Civilization Forum: “The Path of Peace, Tolerance and Enlightenment,” widely recognized as one of the largest international platforms dedicated to reexamining the scholarly legacy of Islamic civilization, aligning it with the priorities of contemporary development, and fostering new models of international cooperation.

Bringing together hundreds of scholars, religious leaders, heads of international organizations, and official state delegations, the forum marks a new stage in connecting Uzbekistan's policy of preserving cultural heritage with the broader agenda of global humanitarian dialogue.

Initiated by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the forum has been organized jointly by the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, the Committee on Religious Affairs, the Imam Bukhari International Scientific Research Center, the Imam Maturidi International Scientific Research Center, the Imam Tirmidhi International Scientific Research Center, the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan, the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, and ICESCO.

The forum aims to present the true essence of Islamic civilization rooted in knowledge, enlightenment, and humanism to the international community, while promoting the preservation and digitization of manuscripts and cultural heritage and strengthening dialogue among civilizations.

According to international observers, the need for such platforms has become increasingly urgent in recent years, at a time when global debates surrounding religious intolerance, extremism, and Islamophobia have intensified.

Among the distinguished participants are Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO; Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League; Prince El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan; Mufti Ravil Gaynutdin, Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation; Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States; Sultan Raev, Secretary General of TURKSOY; Mahmud Erol Kılıç, Director General of IRCICA; Sheikh ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board; and many other prominent international guests.

During the opening ceremony, Khayriddin Sultanov, Adviser to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, read a message from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev addressed to the forum participants. In his message, the President emphasized that restoring and preserving the heritage of Islamic civilization, supporting fundamental research, training highly qualified specialists, and expanding international humanitarian cooperation have become key priorities of Uzbekistan’s state policy.

The message also underscored that strengthening dialogue among cultures and civilizations, preserving the legacy of the great scholars for future generations, and presenting the humanistic essence of Islam to the international community in an objective and authentic manner are among the defining priorities of New Uzbekistan's development strategy.

Muzaffar Kamilov, Head of the Department for Religious and Educational Affairs of the Presidential Administration, described the forum as a practical outcome of the educational and enlightenment reforms being implemented in New Uzbekistan.

“It is a great honor and a profound pleasure for me to welcome you to the ancient and hospitable land of Uzbekistan the homeland of such outstanding scholars as Imam Bukhari, Imam Tirmidhi, Imam Maturidi, Burhanuddin Marginoni, Mirzo Ulugbek, and Ibn Sina, whose contributions to world science and civilization are unparalleled. It is especially meaningful to greet you at the magnificent Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, established in 2017 through the personal initiative and leadership of His Excellency President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of New Uzbekistan,” Muzaffar Kamilov said.

In his address to the forum, Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, emphasized that Uzbekistan's humanitarian reforms in recent years have received widespread recognition from the international community.

According to him, the country’s policy of preserving its historical heritage, advancing scientific research, and strengthening international cooperation is of great significance not only for Uzbekistan itself but for the entire Islamic civilization.

“I would once again like to express my sincere gratitude to this blessed nation for its valuable contribution to the advancement of civilization. Today, Uzbekistan’s achievements in civil society, social justice, economic development, and foreign policy are receiving high recognition from international organizations.

This is, above all, a source of satisfaction for civilization itself, and at the same time a great source of pride for the entire Islamic world.

On this occasion, I would like to convey my sincere appreciation to the esteemed President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the country’s leadership for their wise policies and noble efforts,” said Dr. Salim AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO.

During the opening ceremony, a congratulatory message from the President of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, addressed to the forum participants, was also read aloud.

In his message, President Erdoğan described the forum as an important initiative that contributes to strengthening peace, dialogue, and mutual trust in today's international relations.

He further emphasized that, at a time when Islamophobia continues to rise around the world, presenting the true humanitarian essence of Islam more effectively on the international stage is a shared historical responsibility.

Speakers at the forum also highlighted the invaluable contribution of the civilization of Mawarannahr (Transoxiana) to the advancement of humanity, stressing the importance of promoting historic cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, Termez, and Khiva as globally significant centers of scholarship and cultural heritage.

International experts likewise highly praised Uzbekistan's ongoing efforts to digitize manuscripts, safeguard its historical heritage, and support academic research.

The First International Islamic Civilization Forum is emerging not only as a scholarly gathering but also as a strategic platform for strengthening mutual trust through cultural diplomacy, science, and enlightenment in contemporary international relations.

The dialogue launched in Tashkent is expected to further connect Uzbekistan’s rich intellectual and spiritual heritage with the global academic community, expand constructive dialogue among civilizations, and promote the universal values of Islamic civilization—humanism, knowledge, and tolerance on the international stage.

The initiatives presented during the forum’s opening day once again demonstrated Uzbekistan’s growing role in humanitarian diplomacy and its emergence as one of Central Asia’s leading centers for international intellectual cooperation.

It is worth noting that, at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the forum serves as an important preparatory stage for a series of special presentations on Islamic civilization and the legacy of Uzbekistan’s great scholars, scheduled to be held later this year at the United Nations headquarters in New York and Geneva, as well as at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.

The forum will continue through 11 July. As part of the program, four international scientific conferences dedicated to the legacy of the great Muslim scholars are scheduled to take place in Samarkand and Termez.