The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan held a press conference on Monday, 6 July 2026, at the Center’s headquarters in Tashkent, ahead of the launch of the first international forum, themed “Islamic Civilization: The Path of Peace, Tolerance, and Enlightenment,” scheduled for 7th to 11th July 2026, with the participation of around 300 speakers from 40 countries.

The forum will bring together ministers, heads and representatives of religious and international organizations and institutions, along with distinguished experts and specialists in the fields of culture, thought and Islamic civilization, to explore ways to highlight the contributions of Islamic civilization to promoting the values of peace, tolerance, and enlightenment.

During the press conference, held in the presence of Dr. Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, stressed that organizing this forum, including an international conference dedicated to the three Imams, Imam al-Bukhari, Imam al-Tirmidhi, and Imam al-Maturidi, reflects Uzbekistan’s status as a global beacon showcasing the contributions of Islamic civilization and its eminent scholars to science and knowledge.

He added that the selection of these Imams carries profound significance, as they represent core domains in the construction of Islamic civilization, including the Prophetic Sunnah, theology (Aqidah), and Islamic sciences, noting that al-Bukhari and al-Tirmidhi preserved the Sunnah of the Prophet, while Imam al-Maturidi contributed to establishing a methodology of moderation and balance.

The Director-General emphasized that the forum goes beyond revisiting history, as it is grounded in the conviction that the legacy of these scholars can contribute to addressing contemporary intellectual and cultural challenges, fostering the values of moderation, mutual respect, coexistence, and elevating the status of knowledge.

Dr. AlMalik concluded by expressing appreciation to the Republic of Uzbekistan, its leadership, government, and people, for their care for its Islamic civilizational heritage, praising the Islamic Civilization Center as a testament to a rich past, a platform for shaping the future, and a bridge for civilizational dialogue.