Uzbekistan promotes Central Asia’s scientific history
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Uzbekistan is working to share its historical contributions to science and culture with the world, beginning with a conference in Paris.
Over 300 scholars, diplomats, and representatives from international organisations met at UNESCO headquarters to discuss Central Asia’s legacy as a centre of learning during the Silk Roads era.
The initiative builds on President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s 2017 call for greater international recognition of the region’s intellectual heritage and a 2025 proposal to showcase it at international venues like the UN and UNESCO. The discussions focused on Transoxiana, a historical region encompassing much of modern-day Uzbekistan, and the scholars who lived and worked there, including Al-Khwarizmi, Al-Farabi, Ibn Sina, and Al-Biruni, whose work impacted mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and philosophy.
Participants stressed the importance of acknowledging shared cultural influences and promoting cross-cultural understanding, noting that civilisations thrive through exchange. The Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent, is central to these efforts. The Center researches rare manuscripts and artefacts, digitises collections, and hosts exhibitions tracing over 3,000 years of history. Leaders envision the Center as a hub for scholarship and education, connected to other research institutions dedicated to important Islamic figures.
They hope increased access to these resources will encourage dialogue and counter hate speech by highlighting common ground between cultures.
