Nearly 300 media professionals, researchers, publishers, filmmakers, and technology specialists from approximately 50 countries gathered in Tashkent for the International Media Forum titled “Islamic Civilization: A New Perspective – New Discoveries.” Organized by the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, the event focused on reevaluating how the history and heritage of Islamic societies are represented in global media and how stereotypes can be dismantled through evidence-based storytelling.
The forum’s organizers connected the event’s objectives to a 2017 address by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the UN General Assembly. In that speech, Mirziyoyev rejected attempts to link Islam with violence and proposed a resolution on “Enlightenment and Religious Tolerance,” which was adopted the following year. The Tashkent gathering translated this diplomatic initiative into practical discussions regarding media responsibility, historical interpretation, and technological impact.
Firdavs Abdukhalikov, director of the Islamic Civilization Center, argued that misconceptions about Islam are best addressed through education rather than confrontation. “In the media space, we should speak not to argue, but to explain,” Abdukhalikov stated. “The most effective response to Islamophobia is enlightenment. The strongest response to misconceptions is truth. The most effective weapon against ignorance is knowledge.” He emphasized the need to showcase the scientific and cultural achievements of Islamic societies based on rigorous research.
Hasanbey Kondu, head of Turkish publisher Mega Basım, cautioned against placing sole blame on Western nations for distorted perceptions. “Islam is misunderstood and misrepresented, intentionally or unintentionally — and I include Muslims in that,” Kondu said. “It is not enough to blame Europeans or the modern world. As a Muslim, how are you presenting Islam? Perhaps we need to look first at our own shortcomings.”
The dialogue also examined how Central Asia itself is portrayed. Sherzod Asadov, press secretary to the Uzbek president, told foreign journalists that they were encouraged to engage critically with the region rather than simply produce positive coverage. “We invite you to see it with your own eyes, talk to people, ask questions and draw your own conclusions,” Asadov said. He also addressed the role of artificial intelligence in journalism, asserting that while AI can enhance capabilities, it cannot replace the human elements of truth, impartiality, and conscience.
Claus Strunz, CEO of Euronews, placed these issues within a broader European context, noting that Central Asia was historically absent from European discourse except in reports on disasters or romanticized Silk Road narratives. Describing that past neglect as “arrogant and blind,” Strunz highlighted the升级 of EU-Central Asia relations to a strategic partnership during the April 2025 summit in Samarkand. He argued that increased attention must be grounded in independent, on-the-ground reporting to help audiences form their own views.
Exploring deeper historical connections, Italian researcher Dr. Mario Taddei introduced the concept of a “Knowledge Silk Road,” detailing the flow of scientific ideas from China through the Middle East to Renaissance Europe. He challenged the notion that the West invented all major scientific advancements, citing medieval engineers such as Al-Muradi and Al-Jazari. Publisher Charlotte Kramer presented a project based on the 1404 travel account of Spanish envoy Ruy González de Clavijo, who visited Samarkand under Timur, illustrating long-standing diplomatic and cultural ties.
The forum concluded by examining modern formats for disseminating history, including documentaries, digital avatars, and immersive platforms. Hungarian media executive Alpar Kato described this approach as blending modern technology with traditional stories. Reflecting on the venue in Tashkent, Abdukhalikov summarized the event’s mission: “History should speak. Cultural heritage should communicate with people. The past should inspire today’s generation to new discoveries.”
I appreciate Hasanbey’s point about self-reflection within Muslim communities. External blame is easy; internal accountability is where real change begins.
Is this just soft diplomacy for the government? I’d like to see independent journalists actually critiquing local issues, not just praising history.
The Knowledge Silk Road concept is fascinating. We never learned about Al-Jazari in school, despite his massive impact on engineering.
It is surprising how few Western outlets have correspondents stationed in Central Asia. The Samarkand summit was a good step, but action matters more.
Using AI and digital avatars for history sounds engaging, but I worry we might simplify complex heritage into entertaining soundbites.