Firdavs Abdukhalikov Photo: CIC
Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, has proposed developing a three-year cooperation program with Russia’s National Center «Rossiya.» The initiative envisions producing joint films, books, and exhibitions, digitizing cultural heritage, and supporting journalists. The proposal was presented at the third Uzbek-Russian Media Forum held on November 9–10 in Tashkent, the Center’s press service reports.
The program spans three key areas. The first, «Stories That Unite Us,» involves producing documentary films, books, exhibitions, and other projects exploring the historical and cultural ties between both nations. The second, «Heritage Without Borders,» entails digitizing rare manuscripts and museum collections, as well as launching virtual museums, podcasts, and educational platforms in Russian and Uzbek.
The third area, «Media and Public Education,» aims to support young journalists, bloggers, and content creators. It proposes reciprocal press tours and creative internships, alongside collaboration on artificial intelligence and fact-checking initiatives.
The timeline for the program's approval, as well as its budget and funding sources, have not yet been announced.
Addressing the forum, Abdukhalikov highlighted past joint projects between the Center of Islamic Civilization and Russian partners. These include the documentaries «Uzbekistan: Pearl of the Sands,» «Nukus: The Unknown Collection,» «Civilization of Transoxiana,» and «Uzbekistan: The Path to Victory.» Additionally, over 20 album books on Uzbek cultural heritage preserved in Moscow and St. Petersburg collections have been published. Working with the Institute of Oriental Manuscripts of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Center also produced a facsimile edition of the St. Petersburg portion of the Katta Langar Quran.
«The media can turn interest into understanding, understanding into trust, and trust into genuine rapprochement between peoples. Friendship between our countries must become a personal value for every new generation,» Abdukhalikov said.
The Center's director also cited historical examples of close cultural bonds. He recalled that in December 1941, despite the Siege of Leningrad, the city held commemorations honoring the 500th anniversary of Alisher Navoi. As another example, he pointed to the Shomakhmudov family from Tashkent, who took in and raised war orphans of diverse ethnicities during World War II.
ℹ️ The third Uzbek-Russian Media Forum took place in Tashkent on November 9–10, organized by the Uzbekistan National News Agency (UzA) and Russia’s TASS news agency. More than 200 representatives of state agencies, media outlets, tech companies, and creative industries attended. Delegates discussed newsroom partnerships, co-produced media projects, artificial intelligence applications, and counter-disinformation efforts.
The forum's opening speakers included Uzbek Presidential Press Secretary Sherzod Asadov, UzA Director General Abdusaid Kuchimov, and TASS Director General Andrei Kondrashov. Asadov urged expanding joint journalist training, educational programs, and verification mechanisms. According to Asadov, Uzbekistan currently has about 2,700 registered media outlets, 67% of which belong to the private sector. The previous Uzbek-Russian media forums were held in 2018 and 2021.
ℹ️ Firdavs Abdukhalikov is an Uzbek media executive and founder of the STV television company and the Darakchi newspaper. From 1998 to 1999, he served as deputy chairman of the State Television and Radio Company of Uzbekistan, and from 1999 to 2004, he served as a deputy in the Oliy Majlis (parliament) while working as a senior consultant to the presidential press service. He has also headed the National Association of Electronic Mass Media and the Cinematography Agency of Uzbekistan. He was appointed director of the Center of Islamic Civilization in 2024.
