Mustafa Akyol: “The Bukhara Declaration Holds Special Value in Supporting Pluralism and Freedom of Religion”

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In Tashkent, during the Second International Forum “Dialogue of Declarations,” Turkish journalist and writer Mustafa Akyol highlighted the significance of previously adopted documents in strengthening interfaith dialogue and supporting the principles of freedom of religion.

He specifically emphasized the particular importance of the Bukhara Declaration, which, in his view, serves as a comprehensive affirmation of religious freedom. The document enshrines the right of every individual to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, including the ability to change beliefs and practice them individually or collectively, publicly or privately.

According to Akyol, the special value of the Bukhara Declaration lies in its support for the idea of secularism, based on a balance between state institutions and religious organizations. He described this as “a noteworthy approach grounded in mutual respect between democratic institutions and religious organizations.”

He also noted that “the very fact that this declaration was adopted in a Muslim-majority country with the support of state authorities gives it particular significance for the entire Muslim world.”

The forum is organized by ISMI in cooperation with the U.S. NGO “Love Your Neighbor Community” (LYNC), with the support of the Committee for Religious Affairs, the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and the Samarkand Regional Administration.

About 50 leading religious scholars, theologians, experts, and senior officials from 15 countries, including the USA, UK, China, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, and Central Asian states, are participating in the event.