The special meeting introducing the country of Uzbekistan, as part of the series of meetings introducing ECO member states, alongside the unveiling ceremony for the poetry collection "Meraj-e Ab" (Ascent of Water), was held on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Iran at the ECO Cultural Institute.
According to the Public Relations of the ECO Cultural Institute, this meeting was attended by the Honorable Ambassadors of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, diplomats and senior officials from Tajikistan, regional diplomatic representatives, as well as a group of scholars, academics, and representatives of scientific and artistic institutions. While highlighting Uzbekistan's prominent and strategic position in history and geography and honoring the luminaries and figures of this land, the event emphasized the preservation of enduring spiritual treasures as a vital lifeline for cultural diplomacy among ECO member states.
At the beginning of the program, H.E. Ambassador Mohammad Hasan, President of the ECO Cultural Institute, emphasized Uzbekistan's special position as one of the region's most important cultural crossroads, describing the country as a bridge connecting the Turkic world, Persian culture, and South Asia. Referring to the historical travels of Zahir al-Din Muhammad Babur, he outlined the mutual cultural influences between Central Asia and South Asia and praised the dynamic role of the historical cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Andijan in the intellectual life of the region.
Subsequently, H.E. Farididdin Nasriyev, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Iran, as one of the main speakers of the program, emphasized the strengthening of cultural diplomacy and the deepening of ties among ECO member states. Pointing to the necessity of enhancing regional synergy, he noted: "Today, more than ever, we need to rely on deep historical roots to expand our shared interests and bonds so that these interactions can serve as a solid bridge to revitalize the Silk Road." He further added that deepening these connections will lead to the manifestation of new capacities in multilateral cooperation among nations.
Then, Dr. Mahmoud Jafari Dehaghi, President of the Iranian Studies Association, presented on the social values, tradition of hospitality, and architecture of Uzbekistan's historical cities. Highlighting elements of the country's intangible heritage, such as Shashmaqam traditional music, the role of the ancient Nowruz festival as a National Day of Friendship, and the exalted status of the family unit, he explained their significance in preserving national identity and social cohesion in the region.
Professor Dr. Komiljon Rahimov, Director of the Abu Rayhan Biruni Institute of Oriental Studies of Uzbekistan, outlined the historical evolution of ascetic and Sufi schools in Transoxiana, as well as the teachings of the Khwajagan-Naqshbandiyya order. He also highlighted recent measures taken by the Uzbek government to revive and research this spiritual heritage.
In another part of the meeting, Dr. Seyed Javad Jalali Kiasari, Cultural Expert at the Department of Iranian Studies and Persian Language at the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization, addressed the deep ties and long-standing cultural and historical kinship between Iran and Uzbekistan. He named illustrious figures such as Rudaki, Avicenna, Biruni, and Alisher Navai as invaluable pillars supporting friendship between the two nations.
In the continuation of the meeting, moderated by Dr. Zahra Aslani, Professor Dr. Jafar Muhammad Tirmizi, Professor at the Department of Humanities and Natural Sciences at the Tashkent International University of Financial Technology and Sciences, elucidated the history and contemporary trends of Persian literature in Uzbekistan. In the final part of the event, the unveiling ceremony for the book "Meraj-e- Ab" took place.
"Meraj-e Ab" is a collection of ghazals, Nimaic poems, free verse, and blank verse composed by Dr. Tirmizi. Published by Arian Zamin Publications, the 212-page work has been beautifully printed in full color.