The Fifth International Congress on “China and the Islamic World: Cultural Encounters and Mutual Learning” was co-organized by the Institute of West-Asian and African Studies (IWAAS) of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and IRCICA on 26-27 June 2024 in Beijing, China. 35 papers were presented to the congress by scholars from China, Korea, Pakistan, and Türkiye.
The Opening Ceremony of the Congress was chaired by Prof. Zhou Yunfan, Deputy Director-General of IWAAS-CASS. H.E. Zhao Zhimin, General Secretary of CASS and H.E. Zhai Jun, Former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Special Envoy of the Chinese Government on Middle Eastern Affairs, addressed the Congress. Prof. Sadık Ünay, Consultant to the Director General of IRCICA, made introductory remarks; then, the pre-recorded Opening Address of IRCICA Director General, H.E. Prof. Mahmud Erol Kılıç was broadcast to the audience. In his address Prof. Kılıç said that this series of international congresses co-organized by CASS and IRCICA were contributing to academic research on various aspects of relations between China and the Muslim world in the past and at present, ranging from history, literature, arts, sciences and technology to international trade and travels.
The main topics of the Congress were:
- Historical Contacts between China and the Muslim World
- Historical contacts between China, Muslim states and communities
- Interactions through travels, trade and institutional learning
- Cities, social networks and cultural encounters in history
- Encounters and Mutual Learning in Arts and Sciences
- Exchanges in arts (calligraphy, porcelain, illumination, painting etc.)
- Mutual learning in traditional and modern architecture
- Scientific interactions, technological innovations and universities
- Encounters in Literature, Traditions and Philosophy
- Exchanges in the field of written-spoken languages and linguistics
- Interactions through literature, poetry, folklore, and customs
- Encounters in philosophy, religious traditions and sufism
- China and the Muslim World in the Contemporary Global System
- Promoting peace and stability through intercultural dialogue
- Cooperation in multilateral and regional governance
- Economic cooperation (Belt and Road Initiative; Maritime Silk Road; Energy issues)
The previous congresses in the series “China and the Islamic World: Cultural Encounters” were held in 2012, 2015, 2017 and 2019.
