Mirziyoyev Addresses First Islamic Civilization Forum

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on 7 July 2026 sent an address to the participants of the First International Forum of Islamic Civilization, which is being held for the first time in the country at the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan. The forum gathered prominent scholars, representatives of authoritative international organizations, various cultures and confessions, as well as state and public figures from more than forty countries.

The head of state called the holding of the forum a testament to the growing interest of the world community in Islamic civilization and its spiritual, scientific, and cultural heritage.

He noted that while humanity is achieving unprecedented accomplishments in science and technology, it simultaneously faces escalating conflicts, the spread of destructive ideas, intolerance, extremism, and manifestations of Islamophobia, as well as attempts to clash cultures, religions, and civilizations.

Under these conditions, the president emphasized, special importance attaches to Islamic values, which for centuries served as a source of scientific progress, cultural revival, and spiritual perfection, and became part of the universal human heritage.

He recalled the conceptual idea of "Enlightenment against ignorance" put forward by Uzbekistan from the UN podium in 2017, stating that only science, education, upbringing, culture, and high moral values can become the foundation for peace, mutual understanding, and sustainable development.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev dwelt particularly on the region's contribution to world science. Mathematics, astronomy, geodesy, medicine, chemistry, history, philosophy, kalam, and hadith studies developed on this land for centuries, and the heritage of thinkers such as Muhammad Khwarazmi, Ahmad Ferghana, Abu Rayhan Biruni, Abu Ali ibn Sino, Mirzo Ulughbek, Alisher Navoi, Babur Mirzo, Imam Bukhari, Imam Tirmidhi, Imam Maturidi, and Burhanuddin Marginani occupies a worthy place in the treasury of world thought.

According to the president, the achievements of the First and Second Renaissance eras continue to inspire humanity today, and New Uzbekistan is building the foundation for the Third Renaissance — a stage of development based on science, innovation, modern education, and the spiritual and intellectual growth of society.

The president announced that the revival, preservation, study, and popularization of the heritage of Islamic civilization have been defined as one of the priorities of state policy.

Work is underway in the country to train qualified specialists, support fundamental research, and restore and improve shrines and historical-cultural complexes. In particular, the renovated memorial complex of the great hadith scholar Imam Bukhari in the Samarkand region is gaining recognition as one of the largest spiritual, scientific, and educational centers in the Muslim world.

Special attention in the address was paid to the Center of Islamic Civilization, on the portal of whose main gates the Quranic call "Iqra!" — "Read!" is inscribed.

The president characterized the center as an open intellectual space and a bridge connecting the past with the future, the East with the West, and ancient traditions with modern scientific achievements. He expressed hope that the forum would become a new stage of global cooperation, unite the potential of states, international organizations, scientific centers, universities, museums, and libraries, and culminate in the adoption of a joint action program. The head of state assured that Uzbekistan is ready to fully support projects and initiatives implemented with international partners.

Within the framework of the forum, conferences dedicated to the scientific heritage of the great ancestors will be held in Samarkand and Termez.

Their participants will be able to familiarize themselves with the work being carried out in the country to revive spiritual and educational values, strengthen peace and tolerance, and build New Uzbekistan.