News

More than 40 pupils and students from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations — MGIMO — visited the International School of Calligraphy at the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, where they gained first-hand insight into ancient scripts and the art of calligraphy.

As part of the visit, a special master class was organized for the young participants. They were introduced to the history of calligraphy, its various styles, examples of ancient scripts, and the spiritual and educational heritage reflected in them. Most importantly, the participants had the opportunity to take up the pen themselves and experience the techniques of calligraphy in practice.

The significance of such activities lies not merely in becoming acquainted with a new form of art. Above all, it is important to spark young people’s interest in ancient scripts and, through them, open a path toward understanding the intellectual, scientific, and cultural heritage of their ancestors. After all, simply viewing an exhibit is not enough — a person who understands the history behind it sees it from an entirely different perspective.

During the visit, the International School of Calligraphy and MGIMO also discussed opportunities for future cooperation in the fields of education and culture. Joint master classes, mutual invitations to exhibitions and cultural events, and the exchange of experience between specialists and educators could become promising areas of such cooperation.

Alexey Viktorovich Rostovtsev, a teacher of Russian language and literature at the Moscow branch of MGIMO, also emphasized the importance of the visit and the master class for young people.

“Today, the students of our school — more precisely, our school-lyceum — visited this school and became closely acquainted with the interesting activities carried out here. They were very pleased with the visit and showed great interest.

Such meetings not only bring the cultures of different peoples closer together, but also help young people gain a deeper understanding of history and better comprehend the processes that unfolded in the past. Especially on the eve of the 35th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence, introducing young people to the country’s centuries-old history and immense cultural potential is of particular importance.

For children, it is very interesting to listen, communicate, try things for themselves, and learn something new here. Such experiences broaden their horizons, increase their interest in knowledge, and encourage them to set clear goals for the future.

I believe this is a very important and impactful event. It will remain in their memory for a long time. Most importantly, such meetings help continue the dialogue between Eastern and European cultures and foster in young people a sense of respect for their own history, language, and culture.

We have visited the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan several times. It would not be right to associate this place only with culture and history. It is also a vast educational space closely connected with our modern life, education, and the upbringing of young people.

It is very important to preserve the memory of such events. Our children should understand that what they are witnessing today is not merely an ordinary event, but an important experience that will leave a lasting mark on their personal and spiritual lives.”

Indeed, centuries-old writing traditions are being brought back to life today in the hands of the younger generation. Through ancient letters, the history of the past enters into dialogue with the present generation. This dialogue, in turn, creates a solid foundation for new forms of cooperation between different cultures and educational institutions.