BAGHDAD, December 24. /Dunyo IA/. An article titled “Iraq and Uzbekistan: Historical roots and a renewed path” has been published in the widely read Iraqi newspaper Azzaman, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The article notes that relations between Uzbekistan and Iraq have deep historical roots. Over time, this cooperation has evolved beyond formal interaction into a strong network of human connections - encompassing friendship, professional ties and academic exchange. Graduates of Uzbek higher education institutions, upon returning to Iraq, brought back not only knowledge but also lasting positive memories, which have played a meaningful role in strengthening mutual understanding between the two peoples.

According to the publication, the first practical manifestations of Iraqi–Uzbek cooperation date back to the 1950s and 1960s, when Iraq concluded educational and cultural agreements with the former Soviet Union. Within this framework, Iraqi students were sent to study at leading universities across the country, including those located in Uzbekistan.

The author emphasizes that Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Fergana gained wide recognition as major educational and research centers in the fields of Oriental studies, medicine, engineering, agriculture and physics. The education received by Iraqi students in these cities later enabled many of them to assume leading positions in Iraqi universities and government institutions.

The article highlights the establishment of the Iraqi-Uzbek Friendship Society in the 1970s. According to the author, this cultural and public organization played a crucial role in strengthening mutual trust and expanding humanitarian contacts. The Society organized cultural events, book exhibitions, youth meetings, and hosted artistic and sports delegations.

The author also notes that from the 1970s through the late 1980s, the number of Iraqi students studying at Uzbek higher education institutions steadily increased. These students pursued a broad range of disciplines, including medicine, engineering, Oriental studies, journalism, agriculture, geology, mathematics and physics. Hundreds of graduates returned to Iraq to become professors, doctors, translators, journalists and engineers, making a significant contribution to the country’s development.

The publication emphasizes that shared memories of student life, the winters of Tashkent, Chorsu Bazaar and close personal bonds with Uzbek friends helped form a strong humanitarian bridge, which has become an integral part of the collective memory of both nations.

The article notes that following Uzbekistan’s independence in 1991, relations between the two countries shifted to the level of direct bilateral engagement. Official contacts were intensified, and a number of agreements were signed in the fields of education, culture, archival work, trade and investment.

The author emphasizes that during this period, many Iraqi citizens - particularly graduates of Uzbek universities - resumed visits to Tashkent to rebuild academic and cultural ties grounded in a strong historical foundation.

The article concludes by highlighting that Uzbekistan has developed a small but active Iraqi community, including educators, translators, journalists, and entrepreneurs. According to the author, these individuals today serve as a living bridge between the two countries, fostering cooperation in education, translation and cultural diplomacy.