BUDAPEST, January 16. /Dunyo IA/. A meeting was held with Professor Benedek Péri, Head of the Department of Turkology at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) and Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies, a renowned specialist in the Uzbek language, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The meeting focused on strengthening joint initiatives within the framework of the Year of Culture, Science and Innovation declared for 2026 between Uzbekistan and Hungary.

Particular attention was given to the initiative to establish an Uzbek Literature and Culture Corner at Eötvös Loránd University, with a future plan to create the Alisher Navoi Centre for Uzbek Language and Culture. This initiative reflects the growing interest among Hungarian students in studying the Uzbek language, literature and cultural heritage.

Professor Benedek Péri highlighted the rich traditions of the Hungarian Turkology school, which date back to the 19th century, and emphasized the special place of Uzbek studies within the department’s academic and educational activities. Currently, the university is conducting research on the works of Alisher Navoi, Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur and other classical figures of Uzbek literature. Projects are underway to translate their works into Hungarian and English and to develop an Uzbek-Hungarian dictionary.

During the discussion, parties addressed the preparation of international scholarly events. Professor Péri confirmed his readiness to deliver a scientific presentation on the works of Alisher Navoi at the 5th Traditional International Symposium “Navoi and the Eastern Renaissance”, scheduled for February 9, 2026. In this context, he extended his heartfelt congratulations to the people of Uzbekistan on the 585th anniversary of the birth of the great poet.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their mutual interest in further developing Uzbek-Hungarian humanitarian cooperation and agreed to continue practical work on joint initiatives with the participation of relevant governmental bodies, academic institutions and educational establishments from both countries.