An academic conference titled “Islamic Civilization: The Great Spiritual Heritage of Uzbekistan and Qatar” was held at the Diplomatic Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, reports a Dunyo IA.

The event was organized by the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, the Qatari Committee for the Alliance of Civilizations, and the Diplomatic Institute. A delegation led by the Center’s Director, Firdavs Abdukhalikov, visited Qatar on October 28–29. The program included a presentation of the Center, an international academic seminar, and an exhibition dedicated to the Center’s activities and Uzbekistan’s cultural and historical heritage.

The event was attended by Qatar’s Minister of State and Chairman of the Qatar National Library, Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al-Kawari; Uzbekistan’s Ambassador Ashraf Khodjaev; representatives of the Qatari Committee for the Alliance of Civilizations; the Institute’s leadership; diplomats, scholars, Islamic studies experts, researchers, and media representatives.

Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al-Kawari emphasized the role of cultural diplomacy in promoting dialogue among nations. He noted that the Qatar National Library’s collections include unique manuscripts and publications reflecting the scholarly heritage of the scientists of Mawarannahr. He added that Qatar’s experience in restoring and digitizing these materials offers opportunities for cooperation between the two countries. The importance of joint efforts to preserve cultural heritage, digitize manuscripts, exchange exhibitions, and conduct collaborative research was also highlighted.

Ambassador Ashraf Khodjaev noted that the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Qatar is developing consistently, with shared historical and spiritual values serving as its foundation. He also highlighted the contributions of Imam al-Bukhari, Imam al-Tirmidhi, Muhammad al-Khwarizmi, and other prominent thinkers to world science.

Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Center, outlined its mission and key areas of activity. Established at the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Center focuses on preserving and studying manuscripts, creating museum exhibitions, promoting academic exchange, and fostering international cultural dialogue. “History must speak. Cultural heritage must engage in dialogue with people,” he said.

During the academic seminar, scholars from Uzbekistan and Qatar discussed the scholarly traditions of Mawarannahr and the contributions of great thinkers, including Imam al-Bukhari, Imam al-Tirmidhi, Imam al-Maturidi, Muhammad al-Khwarizmi, Abu Rayhan Beruni, and Ibn Sina, to world science.

Sheikh Abdulaziz Mansur delivered a presentation on the Uthman Quran, while Ikrom Abdullayev, Head of the Khorezm Mamun Academy, spoke about the contributions of Khwarizmi and Beruni to world science.

Qatari scholars, including Professor Aisha Yusuf al-Mannai, Dr. Ibrahim al-Ansari, Dean of the College of Sharia at Qatar University, and Vice Dean Dr. Muhammad al-Muslih, highlighted the contributions of Mawarannahr scholars to Quranic and Hadith studies, the teachings of al-Maturidi, and the promotion of moderate Islamic values.

The seminar was followed by a roundtable discussion on prospects for cooperation between academic institutions of the two countries.

The exhibition showcased the Center’s concept, its research priorities, exhibition facilities, and international projects.

During the visit, Firdavs Abdukhalikov also met with Dr. Ahmad bin Hassan Al-Hammadi, Secretary-General of Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Qatari Committee for the Alliance of Civilizations. The parties discussed cooperation in culture, the promotion of Islamic civilization, the organization of conferences and seminars, and mutual visits.