Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — From 22 to 26 August, Samarkand is hosting the VIII International Congress of the World Society for the Study, Preservation, and Popularization of the Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan (WOSCU) titled "Heritage of Great Ancestors – Foundation of the III Renaissance." This event is organized by the Center for Islamic Civilization under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The Congress is supported by the Government of Uzbekistan, the ERIELL GROUP, and partners such as TURKSOY, IRCICA, and the Al-Furqan Foundation.

The purpose of the Congress is to promote the development path of the new Uzbekistan in the cultural and humanitarian spheres, implement reforms in the religious and educational fields, and ensure effective cooperation with local scientists and the international scientific community in studying, preserving, and popularizing the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the nation.

Today, participants of the Congress shared their impressions:

Firdaus Abdulkhalikov, Director of the Center for Islamic Civilization:

"The mega-project, the Center for Islamic Civilization, is an original idea of President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. It aims to become a large-scale platform for science, culture, education, and enlightenment. The center will evolve as projects are implemented, and each scientific project not only leads to new discoveries but also continuously enriches the center’s operational fund. That’s why we’ve invited many prominent foreign experts with whom we plan to implement these plans and projects. This task should not only rest on the shoulders of the center’s staff but on the whole of Uzbekistan."

Dr. Muzaffar Sheker, President of the Turkish Academy of Sciences:

"Today, Uzbek and Turkish scholars have achieved many results through mutual cooperation. The significance of these results is considerable. I would not be mistaken in saying that the cause is the diplomatic and friendly relations between the leaders of the two countries. In particular, the foundation of these achievements is the conditions created by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan for studying and popularizing the cultural heritage, history of scholars, and great ancestors of the Islamic world. Today’s address by the President of Uzbekistan inspired me and all intellectuals. Our Academy of Sciences and its researchers are always ready to cooperate," noted Muzaffar Sheker.

Firyuza Melville, Director of the Center for Iranian Studies at the University of Cambridge:

"I want to congratulate the leadership of Uzbekistan on implementing this wonderful project. Of course, there is still much work to be done to complete such a grand undertaking of the century or even of an era. Everything is very impressive. Work is currently underway on design and content selection, which is already visible. The new Uzbekistan has vast experience in implementing large international projects and has established a network of international contacts, so I have no doubt about the success of this mega-project," said Melville.

Ekaterina Ermakova, Representative of the Museum of the East in Moscow:

"I am here for the first time at this Center, and it is indeed a remarkable project, luxurious and grand. Notably, the Center for Islamic Civilization is not a theological institution but a cultural one, which leaves ample space for coverage. I believe that one of the Center’s activities could be exhibitions. Not just ordinary exhibitions held in museums and galleries but ones that raise issues and tasks of Islamic civilization," Ermakova opined.

Jadir Al-Harmi, Editor-in-Chief of the Qatari newspaper "Al-Sharq":

"I am happy to be in Uzbekistan, this fraternal and beautiful country. It is a great honor to be a participant in the VIII International Congress of the World Society for the Study, Preservation, and Popularization of the Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan (WOSCU) ‘Heritage of Great Ancestors – Foundation of the III Renaissance.’ The existence of such projects proves how much the President of Uzbekistan values the great heritage and the scholars who have made outstanding contributions to world history. The creation of such a project is evidence of the awareness of the importance of preserving history and passing it on to future generations. After all, a society that values its history builds its future," said Al-Harmi.