ТASHKENT, November 13. /Dunyo IA/. On the initiative of President of Uzbekistan, the International Congress titled "Spiritual Heritage and Enlightenment in Central Asia" opened today at the Centre of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, operating under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The Congress, attended by approximately 300 scholars, art historians, and education specialists, brings together representatives of international organizations, the diplomatic corps, academic and cultural institutions, as well as scientists and cultural figures from Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan.

The Congress is dedicated to examining the spiritual and scientific heritage of the region as the foundation of unity, cooperation, and sustainable development. Special attention is given to the contribution of states to the preservation and promotion of shared cultural heritage, the advancement of science and education, and the development of intercultural dialogue.

The choice of the Centre of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan as the venue carries symbolic significance, reflecting the region’s three-thousand-year history, Renaissance periods, and the development of modern Uzbekistan. Prior to the Congress, one of the key events was the relocation of one of Islam’s most sacred manuscripts, the Uthman Mushaf, originally copied during the era of Hazrat Uthman (RA), from the "Moyi Muborak" Madrasah Museum in Tashkent to the Centre of Islamic Civilization. The event was organized in cooperation with the Centre, the Committee on Religious Affairs, and the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan.

During the opening, participants explored the Centre’s museum exhibitions and watched a documentary highlighting the construction and interior design of the Centre. The Congress also featured plenary discussions involving government officials, scholars, and cultural figures, focusing on the preservation of shared historical heritage, modern collaboration models, and the promotion of spiritual values.

Regional ministers of culture from Central Asia and Azerbaijan presented initiatives to strengthen the regional cultural space, organize joint festivals and exhibitions, and promote tangible and intangible heritage globally. Religious leaders discussed the educational mission of Islam, the upbringing of youth in the spirit of tolerance and humanitarian values, and the modernization of religious education systems.

Academy presidents and leading scholars focused on new directions in scientific cooperation, joint research projects on ancient manuscripts, archaeology, and history. Museum directors discussed digitization, modern exhibition approaches, and professional experience exchange, while national cinema authorities explored collaborations in filmmaking and support for young directors. Youth policy, fostering patriotism and creativity, and expanding literary and artistic exchanges were also key topics.

The Congress program includes specialized forums and exhibitions, such as:

Historians’ Forum: "Central Asian Historical Heritage: A Common Past – A Common Future"

Art Exhibition: "Central Asia: Great Past and Great Future"

Library Sector Discussions: "From Manuscripts to Digital Archives: Prospects of Central Asian Librarianship"

International Film Forum: "Living History"

Youth and Digital Era Subcommittee: "From Ancient Manuscripts to Artificial Intelligence"

The Congress will continue until November 15 and is organized with the support of the Centre of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the World Society for the Study, Preservation, and Promotion of Uzbekistan’s Cultural Heritage (WOSCU), the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, and the International Central Asian Institute.