On July 30, 2025, the International Center for Interconfessional and Interreligious Dialogue organized an international online conference titled "Good Neighborliness of Cultures of Central Asian Countries in the 21st Century."
In the current context of global digitalization, migration, and social changes, there is an increasing need to deepen spiritual and cultural ties between the countries of the Central Asian region, as well as to revitalize intercultural dialogue based on mutual understanding and respect. Initiatives in this direction, relying on Central Asia's ancient cultural heritage and interreligious experience, can enable the region to become a vivid example of global interconfessional cooperation.
The conference's objective was to create an open and substantive dialogue platform that would facilitate the exchange of experiences, discussion of new ideas, and joint initiatives among representatives of the intelligentsia who make invaluable contributions to the development of culture and science in Central Asia.
The session was opened by Marat Kalizhanov, acting director of the International Center for Interconfessional and Interreligious Dialogue. In his speech, he expressed pleasure at meeting the guests at the conference and noted that good neighborliness holds special significance in this new era.
The first address was given by Yerzhan Mukatai, Deputy Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan (SAMK) and Naib Mufti. E. Mukatai first explained to the participants the essence of showing kindness to neighbors in Islam, emphasizing that beautiful interaction with neighbors is one of the noblest deeds. In this regard, he added that the territory of Central Asia had a significant influence on the development and flourishing of Islamic culture as a civilization. Nevertheless, noting that "today, spiritual ties are developing slowly and faintly," he called for focusing on strengthening spiritual and cultural brotherhood.
Suat Beylur, Director of the Eurasian Research Institute, particularly emphasized the importance of intercultural connections. In his presentation, Mr. Suat stated that the Eurasian region, especially Turkestan culture, has made a significant contribution to the global process of flourishing. He likened our country, which originates from the ancient Silk Road, to a "golden bridge" connecting cultures and civilizations, and expressed confidence in the unbreakable strength of friendship between neighboring countries.
Ikram Alisher, Director for International Affairs at the Central Asian International Research Institute, stated that the spiritual treasure left by our ancestors over centuries—a common language, art, religion, and historical heritage—has been passed down to us. He explained that scholars from the international UNESCO organization conducted research in the Central Asian region and classified cultural heritage into material, intangible (spiritual), and written forms. He also mentioned the Karakum and Fergana-Syr Darya corridors as material heritage and cited the great Nauryz holiday, which unites Turkic peoples, as an example of spiritual heritage.
Ashirbek Muminov, IRCICA Advisor for Central Asia, stated in his speech that modern technologies would be helpful in promoting common cultural heritage. He added that there is a shortage of expert specialists and restorers to continue the scientific and cultural heritage of brotherhood that has been preserved for centuries. Accordingly, the scholar stressed the urgent need for specialists from fraternal countries to exchange experiences and for special seminars and forums to be held.
Muhammadolim Muhammadsiddiqov Deputy Chairman of the Board of Muslims of Uzbekistan, noted in his speech that the development of intercultural dialogue is a guarantee of stability and peace in the region. He noted that introducing young people to cultural heritage and increasing their interest through digital technologies is an effective way to continue the continuity of generations
Hieromonk Dmitry (Baydek) of the Metropolitan District expressed his eager anticipation for the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, to be held in Astana in September. Mr. Baydek praised the Congress as an invaluable platform that guides representatives of various religions and confessions towards peace in the pursuit of strengthening global peace. He emphasized the exceptional importance of mutual agreement and harmony among spiritual leaders in these turbulent times.
31 representatives from Turkey, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan participated in the conference.
At the end of the conference, participants presented concrete proposals aimed at deepening intercultural and interreligious cooperation among Central Asian countries. Furthermore, the conference addressed the issue of forming a network of experts to support professional and academic exchange in the humanitarian field.
The event was held on the online ZOOM platform.
