Interfaith Harmony and Cultural Exchange Week

From February 4 to 8, 2025, the at the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan will host a Week of Scientific, Cultural-Educational, and Sports Events under the theme: “Human Fraternity and Interfaith Dialogue – A Factor of International Solidarity”

This initiative, part of The World Interfaith Harmony Week, promotes human fraternity, interfaith dialogue, and global solidarity through academic discussions, cultural performances, guided excursions, and sports competitions.

Key Features and Dates:

📖 Scientific Events

📌 February 4 – International Scientific-Practical Seminar

💬 Theme: “Human Fraternity and Interfaith Dialogue – A Factor of International Solidarity” A platform for renowned scholars, religious leaders, UNESCO representatives, and faith communities to engage in discussions on interfaith harmony and cooperation.

📌 February 5 – Student Scientific Conference

💬 Theme: “Tolerance in Religious Teachings” Students from various religious institutions will present research on how different faith traditions promote peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding.

📌 February 8 – Creative Competition

💬 Theme: “Belief and Unity – The Basis of Human Fraternity” Young participants will submit social video projects reflecting the importance of faith, unity, and fraternity in building harmonious societies. The best projects will be awarded at the closing ceremony.

🎭 Cultural-Educational Events

📌 February 4 – Theatrical Performances

🎭 Themes: “Uzbekistan – A Land of Tolerance” & “You Are Not Orphaned” Student theater performances will highlight compassion, inclusivity, and Uzbekistan’s cultural diversity.

📌 February 4 – Interfaith “Unity and Friendship Table”

🍽 Representatives of different religious communities will share a meal to foster informal dialogue and strengthen interfaith bonds.

📌 February 4 – Cultural Performances 🎶 “Voices of Culture: Celebrating Diversity in Unity”

Representatives of Jewish, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Turkish, and Azerbaijani communities will present their unique cultural heritage, showcasing Uzbekistan’s rich tradition of interfaith harmony.

📌 February 6 – Guided Excursion 🚶‍♂ “Friendship Journey Among Religions”

Students will visit various religious institutions in Tashkent (e.g., Russian Orthodox Church, Roman Catholic Church) to engage in interfaith learning experiences.

⚽ Sports Events

📌 February 8 – The “Interfaith Solidarity Games” 🏆 Friendly sports competitions in chess, checkers, table tennis, and football, bringing together students from diverse religious backgrounds to promote unity and friendship.

🏆 Closing Ceremony – February 8

📌 The week will conclude with a Closing Ceremony, where winners of competitions and cultural events will be recognized. This final gathering will celebrate the spirit of interfaith harmony, unity, and mutual respect.

This series of events reflects Uzbekistan’s rich tradition of tolerance, interfaith dialogue, and harmony. By engaging participants through academic discussions, cultural showcases, and sports activities, the program emphasizes the unifying power of collaboration across diverse faith and cultural communities.

The UNESCO Chair in Comparative Study of World Religions reaffirms its dedication to fostering interfaith understanding and contributing to the global objectives of The World Interfaith Harmony Week. These activities aim to build bridges of respect, solidarity, and shared values that transcend cultural and religious boundaries.