Tashkent Islamic Civilization Forum proposes 10 global initiatives to preserve Islamic heritage

Participants at the First International Islamic Civilization Forum in Tashkent have proposed 10 global initiatives aimed at studying, preserving, digitizing, and promoting the heritage of Islamic civilization around the world.

The proposals include establishing a World Forum on Islamic Civilization, creating an international digital registry and a global digital library of Islamic heritage, launching an international award and a research fund, forming an international alliance of museums, and developing an international roadmap through 2030.

According to Komiljon Shermukhamedov, Director of the Imam Maturidi International Scientific Research Center, the forum marks the first step in a broader effort to present the intellectual legacy of Uzbekistan's great scholars on the international stage.

"We intend to present the legacy of our ancestors – Imam al-Bukhari, Imam al-Maturidi, and Imam al-Tirmidhi – during the United Nations' 80th anniversary session. This forum is the first step toward that goal," Shermukhamedov said.

He added that in September, Uzbekistan plans to organize similar international forums in New York, Geneva, and Paris in cooperation with the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, the Imam al-Bukhari International Scientific Research Center, the Imam Maturidi International Scientific Research Center, the Imam al-Tirmidhi International Scientific Research Center, the Committee on Religious Affairs, and the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan.

The forum also addressed the restoration of manuscripts, the publication of historical works, and the preservation of traditional calligraphy, with particular attention given to new editions prepared in line with Uzbekistan's national manuscript tradition.

Damir Mukhetdinov, First Deputy Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation and Rector of the Moscow Islamic Institute, presented a publication dedicated to Imam al-Tirmidhi and said the participation of internationally recognized scholars reflected Tashkent's growing role in contemporary geopolitics and the Islamic world.

He expressed confidence that Uzbekistan's consistent efforts, the commitment of the country's leadership, and the strong interest shown by international guests in the nation's religious and historical heritage would help unlock the country's tourism, cultural, historical, political, and economic potential.

At the conclusion of the forum, participants called on governments, international organizations, research institutions, universities, museums, libraries, and civil society organizations to cooperate in implementing the proposed initiatives.

According to the organizers, the initiatives are intended to promote peace, mutual respect, education, and intercultural dialogue while preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Islamic civilization as an integral part of the world's cultural legacy.