Islamabad, October 22, 2024 – The Europe Today: In a vibrant cultural celebration, the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan marked two significant milestones: the 35th anniversary of the Uzbek language’s official status and the 630th birth anniversary of the legendary statesman and scholar, Mirza Ulugh Beg, according to the report of the News Hub Consultants.
The event, moderated by Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director of the Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), brought together scholars and diplomats to reflect on Uzbekistan’s rich linguistic heritage and scientific contributions.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram lauded the enduring legacy of Mirza Ulugh Beg, highlighting how his insatiable thirst for knowledge left an indelible mark on world history. “Mirza Ulugh Beg’s life stands as a beacon, proving that the pursuit of knowledge can transcend time and shape the future of humanity,” said Mr. Akram.
His Excellency Alisher Tukhtaev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, provided deep insights into the significance of the Uzbek language. Reflecting on the historic adoption of the Law on the State Language in 1989, he said, “The Uzbek language is the soul of our nation. It is a living bridge that connects our past to our future, a repository of history, wisdom, and customs.” He praised the language’s role in uniting diverse communities and fostering literature, art, and science throughout Uzbekistan’s history.
Excellency Tukhtaev also elaborated on Mirza Ulugh Beg’s monumental contributions to the world of science. “As a ruler of the Timurid dynasty, Ulugh Beg was also a towering figure in astronomy and mathematics. His establishment of the Samarkand Observatory in the early 15th century solidified his place in the annals of world history,” he said, praising the scholar’s efforts to make Samarkand a global center of intellectual pursuit.
Chief guest Director General of “The National Language Promotion Agency” Professor Dr. Salim Mazhar emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, particularly in the realm of literature. He called for increased translations of novels, poetry, and short stories between the two countries, which share a deep historical connection through the Transoxiana region.
Further building on this theme, Dr. Hina Shahid, Head of Media and Arts, Foundation University Islamabad, spoke about Ulugh Beg’s contributions to science and the progress of the Uzbek language in modern Uzbekistan.
Senior Journalist, Mr. Rasheed Safi underscored the shared cultural heritage between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. He explained that the Uzbek language is woven into the very fabric of Uzbek life, a reflection of its deep cultural and historical significance.
Chairman Implementation Tribunal for Newspaper Employees (ITNE) Government of Pakistan, Mr. Shahid Mehmood Khokhar captivated the audience with his account of Ulugh Beg’s role as an educator. “Ulugh Beg gathered the brightest minds of his time, including al-Kashi and Qazi Zada, in his madrasa in Samarkand, fostering one of the world’s most significant intellectual centers,” he said.
Adding another layer to the discussion, Senior Journalist, Mr. Tazeen Akhtar highlighted how many everyday Urdu words are derived from the Uzbek language, underscoring the linguistic and cultural links between the two nations.
The event concluded with a presentation of Patron-In-Chief of “The Gulf Observer” Mr. Muhammad Ali Pasha’s poetry book “Samarkand and Fallen Flowers” to Ambassador Tukhtaev, symbolizing the rich cultural connections between the two nations.
The celebration served as a powerful reminder of the lasting legacy of Mirza Ulugh Beg and the cultural significance of the Uzbek language, while highlighting the ongoing bond between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.
