A specialized forum titled “From Samarkand to Tus” was held at Sheikh Tusi Hall of Astan Quds Razavi’s Scientific and Cultural Organization in Mashhad (northeast Iran), bringing together Iranian scholars and a delegation from the Alisher Navoi International Foundation of Uzbekistan.

The event focused on the deep cultural and civilizational ties between Iran and Uzbekistan, especially in literature, mysticism, and manuscript heritage.

Hoj. Seyyed Jalal Hosseini, head of AQR’s Libraries, Museums and Documents Organization, emphasized the strategic importance of reconnecting with Central Asian nations and highlighted recent cooperation agreements signed with Uzbek institutions.

“Joint academic programs—including Persian language training and manuscript studies—are already underway, and further proposals for collaborative research and translation projects, including the works of Alisher Navoi, are welcomed”, he noted.

In the event, Uzbek scholars delivered lectures on topics such as the mentor-disciple relationship between Alisher Navoi and Abdullah Marvarid; mystical themes in the poetry of Navoi and Jami; Navoi’s contributions to Persian literature; and the role of Persian language education in Uzbekistan.

For their part, Iranian experts also discussed the role of mysticism in Islamic unity across Central Asia and the enduring influence of thinkers like Nasir al-Din Tusi; explored Navoi’s multifaceted legacy as a poet, statesman, and philanthropist, presenting selections from his Persian poetry; and proposed joint efforts in manuscript restoration, bookmaking, and traditional paper production.

The event concluded with cultural gifts exchanged in honor of the visiting delegation, reinforcing the spirit of scholarly friendship and mutual respect.