IRCICA and Kyrgyzstan-Turkey Manas University (Bishkek) jointly organized the international symposium on “Islamic Civilisation in Central Asia” on 11-14 October 2012 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Within the framework of IRCICA’s activities, it was the second symposium focusing on Central Asia; the first one was held in Astana, Kazakhstan in 2007.
The Bishkek symposium gathered 60 specialists, from Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lithuania, Malaysia, Turkey, U.S.A. and Uzbekistan. The themes revolved around the role and place of Islamic civilization in the cultural history of Central Asia, particularly in the evolution of the cultural characteristics of the region such as the peaceful coexistence of different faiths and cultures. It was highlighted that Islamic civilization in Central Asia had various aspects yet to be uncovered, particularly in the history of sciences. Fourteen of the papers presented are collected in the book. They address topics including intercultural exchanges, societal and institutional systems brought by Islam, major historical and literary works, religious studies and religious scholars, among others.
