Iran, Uzbekistan Scholars Highlight Shared Heritage at Mashhad Forum
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – A forum in Mashhad, northeast Iran, brought together Iranian and Uzbek academics to deepen cultural cooperation through shared literary and historical traditions.
The event, “From Samarkand to Tus”, was hosted by Astan Quds Razavi’s Scientific and Cultural Organization at Sheikh Tusi Hall near the Imam Reza (AS) holy shrine.
It gathered Iranian experts and a delegation from Uzbekistan’s Alisher Navoi International Foundation.
Discussions focused on common civilizational roots, with emphasis on literature, mysticism, and manuscript heritage.
Hoj. Seyed Jalal Hosseini, head of AQR’s Libraries, Museums and Documents Organization, said Iran is prioritizing renewed engagement with Central Asian nations.
He pointed to recent cooperation agreements with Uzbek institutions and ongoing projects such as Persian language training and manuscript studies.
“Joint academic programs—including Persian language training and manuscript studies—are already underway, and further proposals for collaborative research and translation projects, including the works of Alisher Navoi, are welcomed,” he said.
Uzbek scholars presented research on Navoi’s literary ties with Abdullah Marvarid, mystical themes shared with Jami, and the significance of Persian language education in Uzbekistan.
Iranian academics highlighted the role of mysticism in Islamic unity, the influence of thinkers like Nasir al-Din Tusi, and Navoi’s contributions as poet, statesman, and philanthropist.
They also proposed joint initiatives in manuscript restoration, traditional paper production, and bookmaking.
The forum concluded with an exchange of cultural gifts, underlining the commitment to continued scholarly cooperation.
