Role of Islamic Civilization Center in promoting Uzbekistan's heritage discussed in Tashkent

A plenary session titled "The Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan – A New Stronghold of Great Heritage" was held in Tashkent as part of the International Media Forum "Islamic Civilization: A New Perspective – New Discoveries."

According to Report's correspondent dispatched to Tashkent, the prticipants discussed the role of media in promoting Uzbekistan's historical and cultural heritage, modern ways of presenting it to international audiences, and the significance of the Center of Islamic Civilization.

Imran Ahmad, a regional representative of CNN International Commercial, said the media's task is to tell Uzbekistan's story through its people, culture and emotions.

"The world does not fall in love with facts. The world falls in love with emotions," he said.

Ahmad said Uzbekistan's rich historical heritage could serve as a foundation for its international promotion and stressed the importance of using the country's globally recognized image as part of the Silk Road.

CNN International Commercial Executive Vice President Phil Nelson, in a video address, highlighted the importance of the Islamic Civilization Center and expressed hope of visiting it personally in the future.

Akhil Salim of the UK's 1001 Foundation emphasized the need to create content that remains relevant for future generations. He said a film he produced about the Golden Age of science in Islamic civilization had been watched by more than 500 million people and continues to be used in schools in various countries.

Uzbek director Shoheikh Rasulov highlighted the importance of a transmedia approach, in which a single story is told through films, exhibitions, books, social media, educational materials and music.

He also announced plans to produce a second documentary as part of the "Whispers of Wisdom" project, launched at the initiative of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and commissioned by the Islamic Civilization Center. The first film was presented in Tashkent the previous day.

Sergey Stanovkin, head of BBC Studios' commercial representation in Eurasia, said Uzbekistan needs to tell international audiences not only about its great past, but also about its new ideas and scientific achievements.

According to Stanovkin, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva are already well known internationally, while the next step should be to promote the country's intellectual and scientific heritage.

Journalist and researcher Beruniy Alimov proposed making the International Media Forum a regular event, allowing media representatives from different countries to return to Uzbekistan, explore its heritage and cover developments in the country.

Khalid Kazimli, deputy editor-in-chief of Yeni Musavat media group, emphasized the importance of the Islamic Civilization Center in studying and disseminating knowledge about Islamic civilization and presenting an image of tolerant Islam to the world.

Participants concluded that combining journalism, cinema, digital technologies, education and international cooperation can help not only preserve the heritage of Islamic civilization, but also present it to modern global audiences.