The first steps of diplomacy: The correspondence between Timur and Charles VI
At the end of the 14th century, the correspondence between the great commander Amir Timur and King Charles VI of France, along with the memoirs of the Vatican envoy Ivan Grinlon about Timur’s court, are presented at the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan. These documents represent not only a unique chapter in the history of diplomacy but also invaluable sources that introduce our nation’s scientific and cultural heritage to the world.
In the “Second Renaissance” section of the Center’s museum, early Islamic sources, medieval scholars’ manuscripts, and rare documents from the Timurid era are brought together in one space.
In the exhibition dedicated to the era of Amir Timur, every aspect of the sovereign’s activity state administration, domestic policy, and international relations is presented on a scholarly basis. Among the displayed materials are decrees, letters, and royal correspondences written in the Arabic script. One of them is a decree granted by Amir Timur to the descendants of the sayyids of Khwarazm, reflecting the great ruler’s profound respect for scholars.
“Each era has its own laws: over time, the number of artifacts decreases. Yet the survival of original sources from the period of Amir Timur is a great fortune for history”, says Sanjar G‘ulomov, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Oriental Studies, Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan.
The most captivating part of the exhibition features the correspondence between Amir Timur, King Charles VI of France, and the Vatican. Written in 1402, these letters are among the earliest examples in the history of world diplomacy. Accompanying them is the Vatican envoy Ivan Grinlon’s work “Memoirs on the Court of Amir Timur”, which provides detailed information about court life, state governance, and international relations.
These documents show that Amir Timur was not only a great military leader but also a statesman with exceptional diplomatic skill. He established active political relations with France, the Vatican, China, India, and several other nations.
It should be noted that many of the exhibits displayed in the museum are original, centuries-old artifacts that have been carefully preserved. As previously reported, the correspondence between Amir Timur and King Charles VI of France was expected to arrive in Uzbekistan, and now these historic documents have rightfully taken their place in the museum’s collection. Moreover, with the help of modern technology, visitors can view the manuscripts digitally or explore them interactively.
Professional Development Courses for Faculty of the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan Conclude in Cairo
Faculty members of the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan have successfully completed a two-week professional development course on “Developing Skills in Applying Innovative Approaches to Learning and Teaching the Arabic Language”, hosted by the “Al-Azhar” International Academy for Training Imams, Preachers and Fatwa Researchers, reports Dunyo IA.
Courses were organized as part of the initiatives of the Grand Imam of “Al-Azhar”, Professor Dr. Ahmed el-Tayeb, aimed at enhancing the professional qualifications of scholars, researchers, and faculty members worldwide, as well as strengthening international scientific and academic cooperation.
During the training, participants attended lectures and engaged in practical sessions and seminars focusing on modern strategies for teaching the Arabic language, innovative pedagogical approaches and the practical development of language competencies.
The solemn closing ceremony was attended by Professor Hassan as-Saghir, President of the “Al-Azhar” International Academy, along with a representative from the Embassy of Uzbekistan. In his address, Professor Hassan as-Saghir commended the participants' dedication to acquiring new knowledge and their active engagement in the educational process, emphasizing that such programs foster scientific potential and advance Islamic enlightenment on an international scale.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, authors of the outstanding practical projects developed during the course received special recognition. Subsequently, the faculty members of the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan were formally presented with certificates of completion.
