Samarkand chosen as Islamic World’s Cultural Capital for 2025
Samarkand has been named the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World for 2025, highlighting its rich historical and cultural heritage.
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) has officially designated the historic city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, as the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World for 2025. The announcement was made through an official statement issued on Saturday, May 24.
According to ICESCO, celebratory events will begin on Tuesday next week and continue throughout the year 2025. The celebrations aim to highlight the city’s remarkable contributions to Islamic culture, heritage, and scientific advancement.
The recognition of Samarkand draws international attention to its rich legacy, and provides a platform for cultural exchange among Islamic countries. It also underscores the city’s significance as a symbol of the Islamic world’s intellectual and architectural achievements.
Dr. Salem bin Mohammed Al-Malik, Director General of ICESCO, emphasized Samarkand’s cultural prestige in Islamic civilization. He stated that the annual celebration will include a diverse array of programs, initiatives, and cultural collaborations with Uzbek institutions. ICESCO, he said, is committed to organizing the events in a manner worthy of Samarkand’s historical stature.
Samarkand, the third-largest city in Uzbekistan and the capital of the Samarkand region, is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a history spanning over 2,800 years. It was once the center of the Sogdian civilization and played a critical role for more than two millennia as a key hub on the Silk Road, linking China and Europe.
The city is home to many architectural and cultural landmarks, including the Registan Square, Shah-i-Zinda, and Bibi-Khanym Mosque, which collectively showcase the influence of Islamic art and Central Asian architectural styles.
As the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World in 2025, Samarkand is expected to host international festivals, academic conferences, art exhibitions, and cross-cultural forums that will promote dialogue, creativity, and unity across the Islamic world.
The selection also reflects Uzbekistan’s growing role in preserving and promoting Islamic heritage. UNESCO and ICESCO have previously collaborated with Uzbek authorities to support cultural restoration and education projects in the region.
By shining a spotlight on Samarkand, ICESCO hopes to foster a renewed appreciation for shared history and values across Muslim-majority countries, and to inspire future generations to preserve and celebrate their cultural legacies.
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