On October 21, as part of the International Week of Uzbekistan's Cultural Heritage titled “The Phenomenon of Eastern Renaissances: States, Religions, Personalities, and Civilizations,” an International Conference on the theme "The Light of Enlightenment: Literary, Scientific, and Cultural Reforms of the 19th-20th Centuries" is being held in the conference hall of the World Society for the Study, Preservation, and Promotion of Uzbekistan’s Cultural Heritage (WOSCU).
The event gathers over 200 scholars, experts, and leaders of cultural organizations from 20 countries, alongside young professionals, media representatives, including experts from CNN and Euronews.
The conference is moderated by Otabek Khasanov, head of the Center for Spirituality and Enlightenment of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The opening remarks were delivered by Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Center for Islamic Civilization and Chairman of WOSCU. Following his speech, official representatives greeted the participants of the Week. As October 21 marks National Language Day in Uzbekistan, the rector of Alisher Navoi Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature, Doctor of Philological Sciences, Academician Shukhrat Sirojiddinov, gave a speech titled "Language: The Mirror of the Nation."
The conference continued with the session “The Foundation of the Third Renaissance – New Uzbekistan.” During the event, the “Caravan of Enlightenment” memorandum was signed, followed by speeches from leaders of international media organizations. Fred Harrison (Euronews) delivered a report titled “New Uzbekistan in the European Media,” while Imran Ahmad (CNN) presented on the topic “Cooperation between CNN and Uzbekistan.”
The "Numismatics of Uzbekistan" project was presented by Dr. Sergey Laptev, a senior research fellow at the Miho Museum. Professor Emek Uşenmez from Istanbul University (Turkey) introduced his new book "Modern Uzbek Literature."
Boris Kislytsin, co-founder and creative director of Pitch and the "Force of Light" studio (Spain), spoke about the application of modern innovative technologies that will be used in the preparation of museum exhibits for the Center for Islamic Civilization—a megaproject initiated by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Additionally, Uzbek scholars and international experts will present their projects on the theme of spirituality and enlightenment in New Uzbekistan. The session will be moderated by Olimjon Davlatov, Director of the Institute of Social and Spiritual Studies of the Republican Center for Spirituality and Enlightenment.
The presentation session will conclude with a discussion of projects featuring international experts.