PARIS, June 14. /Dunyo IA/.  An event titled “The Heritage of the Great Silk Road, Travels and Traditions: A Path to Intercultural Dialogue” was held at the UNESCO Headquarters within the framework of the International Day of Dialogue among Civilizations, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Permanent Delegation of Uzbekistan to UNESCO co-organized the event. The forum was attended by more than 300 representatives of the organization's Secretariat, the diplomatic corps, scientific and expert circles, as well as cultural and academic institutions.

Assistant Director-General of UNESCO Lidia Brito, emphasized that the Great Silk Road in human history was an important platform for the exchange of knowledge, ideas, cultures, and traditions, and its heritage continues to contribute to the strengthening of trust and mutual understanding between civilizations today.

Within the framework of the event, a cultural and gastronomic exhibition was organized. The participants were presented with materials revealing the significance of the Great Silk Road not only as a trade route but also as a space for diplomatic, cultural and intellectual ties between peoples.

Permanent Delegate of Uzbekistan to UNESCO Kamol Mukhtarov, noted that the Great Silk Road is not only a historical heritage for the country but also a living symbol of cultural dialogue and mutual understanding. He emphasized that the territory of modern Uzbekistan was historically one of the centers of trade, diplomacy and science between the East and the West, particularly highlighting the role of Samarkand during the era of Amir Temur as a center of international relations.

During the event, information was presented on the initiatives of Uzbekistan within the framework of the UN and UNESCO aimed at developing intercivilizational dialogue, preserving cultural heritage, and strengthening humanitarian cooperation, including the 43rd session of the General Conference of UNESCO in Samarkand and the activities of the Center for Islamic Civilization in Tashkent.

Center for Islamic Civilization in Tashkent was also presented to the participants. A video presentation of its architecture, museum, and research capabilities aroused great interest. UNESCO representatives noted the center as a significant scientific and educational platform reflecting the contribution of the peoples of Central Asia to world civilization.

In the expert discussions, particular attention was paid to the role of Samarkand, Bukhara and Sogdiana in the development of the Great Silk Road. The President of the Association for the History and Art of the Temurids in France, Tourism Ambassador of Uzbekistan Frédérique Beaupertuis-Bressand, noted the significance of Sogdiana as one of the key centers for the dissemination of ancient cultural values.

Professor Elena Paskaleva of Leiden University, in turn, emphasized the features of the architecture of the Temurid era, calling Samarkand a unique cultural center where the artistic traditions of various civilizations are harmoniously intertwined.

French traveller Loïc Voiseau shared his impressions of a 12,000-kilometer journey along the Great Silk Road. He spoke about the monuments of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Tashkent, and also noted the national traditions of Uzbekistan and the hospitality of the local population.