An international conference entitled "On the Silk Road: The Heritage of Bukharan Jews Throughout Generations" was held at the Samarkand State University named after Sharaf Rashidov, bringing together leading researchers from Uzbekistan, Israel, Germany, Azerbaijan and US. This is the first time a conference on this topic is held.
The event was organized by scholars from Samarkand University, representatives of Israel's Bar-Ilan University, Ben Zvi Institute, Ashkelon Academic College, the Union of Bukharian Jews with the support of the Embassy of Israel to Uzbekistan.
Speaking at the opening of the conference Rector of Samarkand University Professor Rustam Khalmurodov paid tribute to the contribution of the Jewish diaspora of Uzbekistan to the development of science and education in the republic, stressed the importance of developing academic cooperation between scholars from Israel and Uzbekistan.
Ambassador of Israel Gideon Lustig emphasized the critical role the Bukharian Jewish community has in history of the establishment of the State of Israel as well as on the development of relations between the two states.
The conference became an important platform for discussing the rich history and cultural contribution of Bukharan Jews to the development of the Silk Road, as well as to the historical and cultural heritage of Central Asia. Participants exchanged scientific research, archival materials and ethnographic data illuminating centuries-old coexistence, trade, religious life and cultural exchange between the peoples of the region.
Representatives of the Samarkand University, National University of Uzbekistan and Israeli universities noted the importance of preserving and popularizing the common historical heritage. Particular attention was paid to academic cooperation between Uzbek and Israeli scholars, which continues to strengthen.
