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 Sri Lankan online publication Colombo Times has published an analytical article titled “Uzbekistan’s New Renaissance: Reviving a Golden Past with the Tools of Tomorrow”, reports Dunyo IA.
Publication, prepared by renowned Sri Lankan journalist Fazan Nawaz, focuses on the reforms carried out in Uzbekistan over the past decade under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, aimed at building the New Uzbekistan and implementing the idea of the Third Renaissance, as well as their significant outcomes.
“At the very heart of Central Asia, a quiet yet far-reaching revolution in its significance is taking place. This struggle is being waged not with weapons, but through manuscripts, museums and microchips. Under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan is seeking to revive the glory of the medieval “Golden Age”, when such cities as Samarkand and Bukhara were leading centers of global science, poetry, and philosophy, author writes. - The distinctive feature of this process lies in the fact that Uzbekistan is actively using artificial intelligence and digital technologies to preserve, restore, and promote cultural heritage spanning more than a thousand years of history”.
Publication also highlights Uzbekistan’s rich cultural and historical heritage and the reforms being implemented to preserve it. It notes that this land has been the cradle of many outstanding scholars and thinkers throughout human history.
“Leader of Uzbekistan frequently refers to this historical heritage, emphasizing that Mirzo Ulugbek was not only a great scholar but also a statesman for whom science was the highest value. The current process of renewal is referred to by the Head of State as the ‘Third Renaissance’, viewing it as a nationwide project aimed at restoring Uzbekistan’s role as a center of science, education, and culture. According to historians, this term denotes a new stage of revival following two great periods of flourishing that had previously existed in the region”, article notes.
Article emphasizes that an important feature of Uzbekistan’s approach, distinguishing it from other countries, is the use of artificial intelligence not only as a tool for economic development but also as a means of protecting cultural heritage.
Fazan Nawaz concludes his article by stating that only time will show whether the “Third Renaissance” will be able to fully achieve its objectives. However, it is already clear today which path Uzbekistan is pursuing.