Spiritual Enlightenment, Unity, and Renewal
On January 8, 2024, a symposium on "Spiritual Enlightenment, Unity, and Renewal" took place at the "Ulug'bek" auditorium, aimed at supporting talented youth. The event welcomed leading scholars, doctoral candidates, and students.
The symposium was inaugurated by Academician O.U. Salimov, the head of the "Ulug'bek" organization. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the vital points made by the Republic Center for Spirituality and Enlightenment during its extended meeting on December 22, 2023, chaired by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Sh.M. Mirziyoyev. Academician O.U. Salimov called upon every scholar and participant to be actively engaged in the realization of the outlined goals, emphasizing the necessity for each academic to contribute actively.
Furthermore, Academician O.U. Salimov underscored the urgency of disseminating supplementary materials prepared on the theme "New Strength, New Dynamics in Our Spiritual Life" to each participant, highlighting the need for contributors to align their activities accordingly.
Presentations were delivered by the Director of the Republic Center for Spirituality and Enlightenment, M.M. Hojimatov, the Rector of Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature, Academician Sh.S. Sirojiddinov, and Professor N.Q. Jo‘rayev from the Uzbekistan State University of World Languages.
The departure of the presenters, particularly the contributions of M.M. Hojimatov and N.Q. Jo‘rayev, sparked considerable interest among the participants. They emphasized the importance of initiating new initiatives, promoting benevolent actions, and creating new opportunities for participants to engage actively.
Especially noteworthy was the address by Academician Sh.S. Sirojiddinov, the Rector of Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature, which left a profound impression on the audience. His speech delved deeply into the following key areas, providing an in-depth academic and theoretical analysis:
The symposium shed light on unexplored dimensions of the enlightenment movement from an academic perspective, with a primary focus on the initial institutions of higher education – madrasas – in the territory of Uzbekistan. A meticulous analysis of the teaching methods and conceptual significance of madrasas, particularly during the 16th to 20th centuries, was undertaken.
The symposium revealed new facts regarding the reliance of the Third Renaissance trend in modern Uzbekistan on the aspirations of contemporary thinkers. The discussion presented fresh insights through a thorough analysis of the scientific and literary heritage of prominent figures.
Additionally, it stressed the imperative of directing attention to educational excellence, using real-life examples from the experiences of contemporary young people, just like our young scholars.
Academician Sh.S. Sirojiddinov, in particular, highlighted the significance of the "ideological initiative" addressed in the extended meeting of the Republic Center for Spirituality and Enlightenment on December 22, 2023. He emphasized the necessity for the Uzbekistani people to unite under this ideology, acknowledging and internalizing the essence of this initiative, and the capability to confront challenges and attacks on our nation and spirituality. Furthermore, he underscored the importance of every individual considering themselves a contributor to the nation's efforts, remaining resilient in the face of various challenges and preserving our identity and spirituality.
Academician Sh.S. Sirojiddinov presented several recommendations and initiatives crucial to contemporary spiritual education.
The participants expressed their gratitude to those who contributed to the discussions, acknowledging the presented information and analyses as valuable and insightful. Such continuous events play a crucial role in offering suggestions and advice for the ongoing organization of similar activities.
Saodat Muhamedova
Doctor of Science, Professor