A scientific-practical conference on the theme “Inter-confessional dialogue and religious tolerance – guarantee of stability in society” was held at the Tashkent Islamic University on November 16, 2017. It was organized by the Committee of Religious Affairs, Tashkent Islamic University and the UNESCO Office in Uzbekistan. Traditionally, the conference is dedicated to the International Day of Tolerance on November 16.
Guests from Germany, Israel, Italy, Poland, Russia, Tajikistan, representatives of the diplomatic corps and international missions accredited in Tashkent, leaders of religious confessions conducting their activities on the territory of the republic, scientists and specialists of Uzbekistan took part in the international conference.
In a country like Uzbekistan that has chosen the path of democratic development, in which religion has its rightful place in society, guaranteed freedom of religion, the prohibition of planting religious beliefs and beliefs, ensuring equal rights for all, regardless of nationality, race and religion.
2242 religious organizations belong to 16 different denominations. They act in Uzbekistan in peace and equality. The Tashkent Islamic Institute, the Mir Arab Higher School, nine Islamic secondary specialized schools and two Christian seminaries carry out religious education activities.
The press service of the Uzbekistan Muslim Board
The Secretariat of the Holy Capital has implemented a strict ban on feeding pigeons in Mecca and Medina, with violators facing fines of 1,000 Saudi riyals.
The new regulation, announced to protect public health and maintain environmental cleanliness in Islam’s two holiest cities.
The secretariat has established continuous monitoring programs to enforce the ban and is encouraging citizens and visitors to participate in reporting violations.
Individuals can photograph offenders and submit evidence to local police, creating a community-based enforcement system.

Officials cite concerns about disease transmission, property damage, and environmental pollution as primary reasons for the prohibition.
The initiative represents the latest in a series of measures to enhance urban quality and public health standards in the holy cities, which host millions of pilgrims annually.
Previous regulations have addressed street vending, waste management, and public behavior to preserve the sanctity and cleanliness of the religious sites.
Municipal officials emphasized that the ban particularly targets areas around the Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque, where large pigeon populations have historically gathered due to public feeding.