From August 23 to 26, 2024, the cities of Tashkent and Samarkand hosted the VIII International Congress titled "Heritage of Great Ancestors – Foundation of the Third Renaissance," organized by the World Society for the Study, Preservation and Promotion of Uzbekistan's Cultural Heritage (WOSCU).
Around 300 scholars, specialists, and researchers from 35 countries participated in the event. Among the attendees also were leaders of the International Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA), the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TÜRKSOY), the Al-Furqan Charity Foundation, as well as representatives from the World Muslim League and other international organizations.
On the first day of the event, delegates visited the Center for Islamic Civilization in Tashkent, where the Congress was officially inaugurated alongside an exhibition showcasing projects from both the Center and WOSCU.
President of the Turkic Academy expressed gratitude to the organizers for the invitation and highlighted the forum's significance as a key platform for uniting the scientific community dedicated to exploring the rich history and culture of Central Asia.
Shahin Mustafaev actively participated in the thematic sessions. In his speech, he emphasized the necessity of international cooperation in preserving and researching the cultural heritage of Turkic peoples and also presented new initiatives for further developing cooperation within the framework of the Turkic Academy's activities.
The sessions covered a range of important topics, including "Central Asia in the Pre-Islamic Period: Statehood, Spiritual Life, and Intercultural Dialogue," "Themes of Spirituality and Enlightenment in Joint Historical Film Projects," and "Current Issues in Architecture and Urban Planning in Uzbekistan and Central Asia," among others.
During the official visit of the President of the Turkic Academy, Shain Mustafayev, an important cooperation Memorandum was signed between the Turkic Academy and the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan. This Memorandum of Understanding outlines the exchange of scientific information, collaboration between libraries, the organization of joint conferences and seminars, as well as the publication of joint scientific works.
The Congress featured a comprehensive scientific and cultural program, including plenary sessions, seminars, exhibitions, tours and participation in the international music festival "Sharq Taronalari." At the opening of the international music festival in Samarkand, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev was also in attendance.
Concluding his participation, President of the Turkic Academy expressed confidence that the forum’s outcomes would significantly contribute to deepening scientific knowledge, fostering cultural ties between the brotherly peoples and strengthening cooperation between institutions and organizations dedicated to studying Turkic heritage.
