The event discussed prospects for joint research and publications in the field of cultural heritage and strengthening international cooperation.
Special attention from the researchers was drawn to studies in the fields of culture and history, as well as social projects aimed at improving interaction between various cultural communities. Guests were introduced to the 70-volume series "Cultural Legacy of Uzbekistan in World Collections", the 20-volume "Architectural Epigraphy of Uzbekistan", facsimile editions of manuscripts, gift editions, and documentary films.
One of the key moments of the visit was getting acquainted with the large-scale projects being implemented in New Uzbekistan under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in the field of cultural heritage preservation and scientific development. Dr. Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Chairman of WOSCU, presented these initiatives to the international scholars, as well as new directions for the World Society's work.
"One of the main difficulties was establishing contacts with some foreign scientific institutions. This process was previously hindered by differences in approaches to cultural heritage preservation and bureaucratic barriers. A breakthrough in this direction was made possible thanks to the persistence and determination of our country's President, the activation of international partners, the WOSCU team, and the support of socially responsible businesses like Eriell Group, who share our commitment to preserving and studying Uzbekistan's cultural heritage.
Today, during the scientific meeting with scholars and museum representatives, we not only drew attention to our projects but also secured the support of influential experts in Oriental studies and manuscript heritage. We hope that our project will now be enriched with new research and scientific discoveries. Established contacts will allow us to access unique artifacts and documents, significantly expanding our knowledge of Uzbekistan's cultural heritage and enabling the preparation of scientific publications and books valuable to both specialists and the general public", Firdavs Abdukhalikov noted.
Nicholas Contovas, a specialist from the Bodleian Library at Oxford University, highlighted the substantial support given to science and culture in Uzbekistan.
"You are doing significant work. WOSCU has published several books about Cambridge's collections. It would be wonderful if you could publish a book about the Bodleian Library's collection, as we have 200 manuscripts written in Old Uzbek. There are also manuscripts in Arabic and Persian, and I would be happy to collaborate with WOSCU on their research and publication. The support for science and culture here is remarkable and rare in other countries. Promoting such large cultural projects is increasingly difficult, and I am delighted that Uzbekistan places such importance on its history and culture. This greatly enhances Uzbekistan's reputation internationally," he noted.
Dr Firuza Melville, a member of the WOSCU Scientific Council, expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to participate in every WOSCU congress.
She remarked, "I want to especially acknowledge the significant contributions of Bakhtiyor Fazilov, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, to the successful implementation of numerous WOSCU initiatives and projects. His efforts promote cultural and scientific exchange at the international level, enriching the global community with new knowledge and cultural achievements".
Professor Ilse Sturkenboom, a historian of Islamic art at Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich, studies Central Asian manuscripts.
"The WOSCU office, with its blue ceiling and golden stars, closely aligns with the aesthetics of 14th-16th century Uzbekistan. I think it’s a wonderful idea to explore Central Asian art in foreign museums and libraries. The journey of Uzbek art objects is linked to the art market and the interest in Uzbek art in 16th-century Mughal India. By documenting your heritage in books, you are also tracing its routes, origins, and movements", - she noted.
The orientalists eagerly shared their knowledge and experience and expressed a desire to continue collaboration in this field. They emphasized the importance of such research for preserving cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations.
Jaimee Comstock-Skipp, a researcher at Oxford University and a member of the World Society, stated, "I have been participating in international WOSCU congresses for several years.
"My specialization is in the study of Shaybanid manuscripts. I greatly respect the collaboration and international cooperation conducted by the World Society and am ready to contribute to the study of the Shaybanid period in Central Asia. It is crucial to widely promote this unique project and distribute publications to as many scientific and educational institutions in the country and the world as possible".
The guests noted the high level of projects in the field of preserving cultural heritage being implemented in New Uzbekistan and expressed a desire to continue fruitful cooperation in the future.