Sherzodkhan Kudratkhuja reacts to Tajik Minister’s statement

Sherzodkhan Kudratkhuja, the rector of the Uzbek University of Journalism and Mass Communications, shared his views on the statements made by Tajikistan’s Minister of Culture regarding the great thinker Abu Ali ibn Sina. He expressed his opinion on Facebook.

Kudratkhuja emphasized that "at a time when Central Asian countries are fostering unity, opening borders, and advancing cooperation across various sectors, it is crucial to maintain a unified tone." He highlighted that "in the 9th-10th centuries, the concept of nation-states like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, or Kyrgyzstan did not exist in the region."

"One of the main factors in the rise of science and enlightenment during the Renaissance era was the free intellectual environment within our shared geographical region. Abu Ali ibn Sina, a renowned physician, philosopher, mathematician, and scientist, was born near Bukhara, which is now part of Uzbekistan. Ibn Sina is a child of Central Asia. While discussing his nationality is inappropriate, such claims could negatively affect bilateral relations and potentially be exploited by third parties for malicious purposes. Today, as inhabitants of this shared region, we should honor our ancestors who thrived in science, literature, and enlightenment, rather than lay exclusive claims to their legacies," Kudratkhuja stated.

Previously, Matlubakhon Sattoriyon, the Minister of Culture of Tajikistan, criticized a CNN article that referred to Abu Ali ibn Sina as an Uzbek scientist. Sattoriyon stated that "the information in the article lacked historical accuracy and ignored authoritative sources." He urged "a firm response within the bounds of diplomatic etiquette."

In response, Babur Bekmurodov, chairman of the “Yuksalish” nationwide movement and deputy of the Oliy Majlis, shared his perspective. Bekmurodov remarked that "the legacy of great figures like Abu Ali ibn Sina belongs not just to one nation but to the entire Central Asian region and the world."