Category: News

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), held a series of bilateral meetings with a host of senior officials of cultural affairs in ICESCO Member States and international heritage institutions, on the sidelines of the launch of the Celebration of Samarkand as Culture Capital of the Islamic World.

The bilateral meetings were held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Samarkand, in the presence of a number of ICESCO’s heads of sectors and centers and experts, and explored ways to promote cooperation with the Organization’s partners and Member States.

During the meetings, Dr. AlMalik stressed ICESCO’s keenness to develop these cooperation relations by designing programs and activities that meet the national priorities and needs of these countries and have the desired impact, especially in the field of heritage preservation and promotion.

Dr. AlMalik held the first meeting with Mr. Andrei Malyshev, Deputy Minister of Culture of Russia, and Mr. Lenar Khakimzyanov, Deputy Minister of Culture of Tatarstan, and together they discussed the arrangements for celebrating Kazan as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2026. The two parties also discussed the activity programme to be implemented during the year-long celebration, stressing the importance of capitalizing on the Celebration’s activities and initiatives to highlight the rich and diverse heritage of Kazan and its historical role as a bridge between cultures and civilizations.

During the second meeting, ICESCO Director-General met with Ms. Aktoty Raimkulova, President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, where they discussed various strategic initiatives in the field of preserving and promoting cultural heritage in the Islamic world, especially in the Turkic region. The meeting also discussed the possibility of launching a comprehensive scientific project to establish a “methodological guidebook for archaeological restoration experts,” with the aim of standardizing and improving practices in preserving cultural sites in the Member States. The two parties agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding in this context.

The Director-General also met with Mr. Davlat Safarzoda, Deputy Minister of Culture of Tajikistan, and explored ways to strengthen cooperation in the field of safeguarding cultural heritage, through the development of training programs in the fields of restoration and maintenance of cultural monuments for the benefit of Tajik specialists, as well as cooperation in the translation and reprinting of cultural historical books and manuscripts, with the aim of safeguarding literary heritage.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), met with Mr. Ozodbek Nazarbekov, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation between the two parties in the fields of education, science, and culture, within the framework of celebrating Samarkand as the Capital of Culture in the Islamic World 2025.

Dr. AlMalik opened the meeting, held on Tuesday, 27 May 2025, by affirming ICESCO’s commitment to mobilizing all its expertise and capabilities to ensure that the celebration of Samarkand as the Capital of Culture in the Islamic World reflects its historical stature and longstanding civilizational role. He further emphasized its legacy as a cradle for many leading scholars of the Islamic world throughout various historical eras.

Additionally, Dr. AlMalik explained that ICESCO has developed an exceptional program featuring the implementation and launch of numerous initiatives and activities aimed at enhancing Samarkand’s cultural capital and promoting its global standing as a cultural destination.

For his part, Mr. Nazarbekov expressed his delight with Samarkand’s selection as part of ICESCO’s Capitals of Culture program, noting that the Ministry will work to ensure the success of the celebration and leverage it to elevate the city’s international profile.

In attendance from ICESCO were Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture Sector; Mr. Osama Heikal, Head of the Media and Communication Sector; Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector; Dr. Idham Hanash, Director of the Calligraphy and Manuscript Center; and Dr. Bilel Chebbi, Expert at the Heritage Center.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Uzbek Ministry of Culture, launched on Tuesday, 27 May 2025, the celebration of Samarkand as the Capital of Culture in the Islamic World, during an international conference held under the theme: Spiritual Heritage and Cultural Expressions in the Islamic World: Calligraphy, Music, Poetry, and Solidarity. The event took place in Samarkand in the presence of several Ministers of Culture from the Islamic world, representatives of relevant international organizations and institutions, the ambassadors of Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and the UAE, and members of the diplomatic corps.

The celebration began with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by the screening of a documentary film produced by ICESCO to mark the occasion. In his address, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, stated that Samarkand’s history and rich heritage rightfully earn it the title of City of Scholarly Civilization, as its legacy reflects a synthesis of theoretical and applied sciences. From this city emerged both Sahih al-Bukhari and the Ulugh Beg Astronomical Observatory, as well as the creative legacies of Al-Biruni, Al-Khwarizmi, and Ibn Sina.

Dr. AlMalik praised the new headquarters of the Center of Islamic Civilization, currently under construction in the capital, Tashkent—an initiative led by His Excellency President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. He added that the Uzbek President’s vision to preserve identity and heritage aligns with ICESCO’s strategic orientations, resulting in numerous major initiatives and projects, including the celebration of Samarkand as Capital of Culture, the inscription of 19 cultural properties on ICESCO’s heritage list, and the organization of international conferences highlighting prominent figures of Islamic civilization.

Mr. Ozodbek Nazarbekov, Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan, expressed his appreciation for ICESCO’s role in protecting human heritage and thanked the Director-General for including Samarkand in the Organization’s Capitals of Culture Program. He also announced the establishment of an ICESCO Chair at the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan and the inauguration of the ICESCO Manuscripts Center in Samarkand.

Mr. Nazarbekov highlighted the importance of the arts, poetry, literature, and music in preserving heritage and defending identity and values, especially in the face of globalization and its negative impacts, affirming that the culture of the Islamic world offers a trusted path to save humanity from these dangers.

In a welcoming address, Mr. Adiz Boboev, Governor of Samarkand, affirmed that the city has always been—and continues to be—a hub of Islamic World thought and a destination for thinkers from around the world. He noted the upcoming reopening of the Imam Bukhari Center after its renovation, which has become an international platform for promoting Islamic world heritage.

During the opening ceremony, Dr. AlMalik presented a commemorative flag documenting the celebration of Samarkand as the Capital of Culture in the Islamic World to the Uzbek Minister of Culture. This was followed by addresses from the heads of delegations from Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Algeria, the UAE, Bahrain, Azerbaijan, and Russia, as well as the Ministers of Culture from Jordan, Pakistan, and Senegal. They addressed the conference themes and stressed national efforts to preserve tangible and intangible heritage, promote cultural identity, and uphold the values of solidarity and peace.

At the Launch of Its Celebration as Culture Capital in the Islamic World

Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), visited a number of heritage and scientific monuments in Samarkand, Republic of Uzbekistan, on Monday, 26 May 2025, together with Mr. Ozodbek Nazarbekov, Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan, and a number of culture ministers and officials from ICESCO Member States.

This visit is part of Dr. AlMalik’s trip to the Republic of Uzbekistan, where he is leading a high-level ICESCO delegation to attend the launch ceremony of the celebration of Samarkand as the Culture Capital in the Islamic World, scheduled to be held on 27 May 2025, as part of ICESCO’s Culture Capitals Program.

ICESCO Director-General began his tour by visiting the Ulugh Beg Observatory, one of the major and most accurate observatories worldwide, built in the 15th century AD. Dr. AlMalik also visited the “Shah-i-Zinda” necropolis, which houses the remains of the noble companion Qutham ibn ‘Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, and a number of historical figures and leaders, including Prince Tamerlane, the conqueror and founder of the Timurid Empire, whose tomb is an architectural masterpiece attributed to the Timurid era.

The tour also included the ancient Bibi Khanum Mosque, which was the largest mosque in Central Asia at the time of its construction in 1399 AD, in addition to the central Registan Square, the heart of the old city of Samarkand and one of the major historical monuments in Uzbekistan.

At the end of his tour, Dr. AlMalik commended the great attention the Uzbek authorities give to heritage and archaeological sites, expressing ICESCO’s pride in these efforts, which have become a model to emulate in preserving and valorizing the Islamic world’s heritage.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), accompanied by his delegation, visited the new premises of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on Sunday, 25 May 2025. He was received by Mr. Firdavs Abdulkhalikov, Director of the Center, which is currently nearing completion in preparation for its official opening at the end of the year.

The visit included discussions on enhancing cooperation between ICESCO and the Center, particularly regarding preparations for the inauguration of the ICESCO Manuscripts Center, which will be housed within the new Center.

The visit began with a tour of the facility, during which detailed presentations were provided on the project. The Center enjoys direct support from H.E. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Dr. AlMalik expressed his admiration for the outstanding efforts made to ensure the Center reflects the grandeur of Islamic civilization and its contributions to humanity. He affirmed that it will serve as a distinguished academic institution and a beacon of cultural heritage.

Dr. AlMalik also held talks with the Center’s Director on the final arrangements for inaugurating the ICESCO Manuscripts Center, as well as the organization of the upcoming International Scientific Conference on “Al-Jami’ Al-Musnad As-Sahih by Imam Al-Bukhari,” which ICESCO will host at the Center’s headquarters. Both sides agreed to elevate the level of coordination over the coming period and to develop a joint action plan that will serve as a strategic framework for their collaboration.

At the end of the visit, commemorative shields and gifts were exchanged. Mr. Abdulkhalikov presented Dr. AlMalik with a copy of the Holy Qur’an, written in the Ottoman script.

The ICESCO delegation included Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector, and Dr. AbdulHakeem AlSenan, Director of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Baku.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) convened its Second High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on Education in its Member States in London, United Kingdom, under the theme “Transforming Education for Sustainable Development and Knowledge Economies.” The Dialogue aimed to facilitate the exchange of perspectives and experiences concerning the opportunities and challenges of educational transformation, and to explore avenues for strengthening international partnerships in this context.

In his opening remarks on Wednesday, 21 May 2025, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, underscored the importance of harnessing rapid technological advancements—particularly in artificial intelligence and digital learning—to create new pathways for innovation, connectivity, and inclusive access to education. He emphasized that global disruptions have exposed the pitfalls in education systems and highlighted the urgent need to build more resilient and adaptive structures.

Furthermore, Dr. AlMalik noted that in recent years, ICESCO has worked on developing a robust network of active international partnerships to implement hundreds of projects and programs benefiting thousands of students, teachers, and experts. These initiatives have focused on empowering youth and women by equipping them with digital skills and essential knowledge in economics and entrepreneurship. He added that this ministerial gathering positions Member States to play a pivotal role in contributing comprehensive and diverse solutions to the global education agenda.

Following his remarks, Dr. Hady Jatou Sey, Head of the Education Sector at ICESCO, delivered a statement emphasizing the significance of this meeting as a key step toward educational transformation across the Islamic world. She also noted that the Dialogue would address mechanisms for implementing the outcomes of last year’s ICESCO Conference of Education Ministers, held in the Sultanate of Oman.

The proceedings included a series of brainstorming sessions focused on the challenges and opportunities in transforming education systems, best practices for knowledge exchange among countries, strategies for integrating social and cultural values into curricula, and effective mechanisms to empower Member States through enhanced public-private partnerships.

In his closing remarks, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to supporting its Member States in their efforts to reform and advance education and to helping them achieve their goals through innovative programs and initiatives.