Uzbekistan and international Islamic organisations
Lessons 9 · 1 lessons · Z. Islomov, D. Rahimjonov, J. Najmiddinov, N. Ismatova. History of world religions, Grade 11, 1st edition. Yangiyul Poligraph Service, Tashkent, 2018
9
Uzbekistan and international Islamic organisations
Textbook: pp. 41–42
GoalDescribe Uzbekistan’s cooperation with the OIC and ISESCO, the “Capital of Islamic Culture” programme and the work of scholarly and educational centres.
New words
ISESCO (educational, scientific and cultural organisation of the OIC) · ISESCOCapital of Islamic Culture · Islom madaniyati poytaxtiinternational conference · xalqaro anjumanresearch centre · ilmiy-tadqiqot markazi
Explanation
Uzbekistan became a member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in the mid-1990s; cooperation is mainly in education, science, culture and the study of historical heritage. On 18–19 October 2016 the 43rd session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers was held in Tashkent under the theme “Education and Enlightenment – the Path to Peace and Creativity”. ISESCO (founded in 1979; officially abbreviated ICESCO since 2020) each year proclaims several cities of member states “Capital of Islamic Culture”: in 2005 the title went to Mecca, Tashkent was listed in 2007 and Bukhara in 2020. A city is chosen on criteria such as ancient monuments, research centres, manuscript collections and cultural events. At Uzbekistan’s initiative the Imam al-Bukhari International Research Centre in Samarkand and the Centre of Islamic Civilisation in Tashkent were established, and a specialised ISESCO chair was planned at Tashkent Islamic University (now the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan). Such cooperation develops international scholarly ties and aims to introduce the region’s historical and cultural heritage to the world.
Worked examples
When Tashkent was proclaimed “Capital of Islamic Culture” in 2007, scholarly conferences, exhibitions and monument restoration intensified – the title stimulates cultural activity.
The Imam al-Bukhari centre in Samarkand specialises in the scholarly study of hadith studies and the heritage of medieval scholars; such a centre also attracts foreign researchers.
Class activity
Project: for one historical city of your choice (Bukhara, Samarkand or Tashkent) prepare a five-point “application” on the “Capital of Islamic Culture” criteria: monuments, research centres, manuscripts, events, history.
Practice
1
Where and when was the 43rd session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers held?
In Tashkent, on 18–19 October 2016.
2
Which cities were proclaimed “Capital of Islamic Culture” in 2007 and 2020?
Tashkent in 2007, Bukhara in 2020.
3
Why does giving a city the title “Capital of Islamic Culture” affect cultural life?
Because the title attracts scholarly and cultural events, restoration and international attention, and encourages the study of historical heritage.
4
Since when has the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan used its present name and on the basis of which institutions was it formed?
Since 2018; on the basis of Tashkent Islamic University and the Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan.