Uzbek Embassy Book Event

Embassy of Uzbekistan Hosts Book Discussion and Dinner

December 7, 2000 - The Embassy of Uzbekistan, in recognition of the publication of Islam and Central Asia, worked with the Center/Institute to host an event at which some of the book's authors, the Uzbek Ambassador Safaev, and Shaykh Muhammad Hisham Kabbani, Chair of the Islamic Supreme Council of America, spoke about the book and its subject matter. A number of distinguished guests also attended the event, including the Ambassador of Pakistan, The Honorable Maleeha Lodhi.

During his presentation, Shaykh Kabbani praised the book as a valuable tool for further discussion about the Central Asian region and the growth of Islam. He gave special emphasis to the importance of understanding the relationship between Christianity and Islam by commenting on the particularly profound set of insights he thought that Archbishop Vladimir made in his chapter entitled, "Christianity and Islam in Central Asia." Those involved in the event noted that, ironically, the Uzbeks were treated the harshest of all the Central Asian countries by those who contributed to the book, yet had offered to host the event. Furthermore, the attendance of the Pakistani Ambassador occurred in spite of the fact that a number of authors were equally critical of Pakistan.

Given this unique set of circumstances, it is clear that the book itself stands above the political fray. All of the speakers that evening noted how the analytical rigor of the book ensured that the most important questions for policymakers, academics, and religious leaders were raised and defined, not simply given broad answers. The Ambassador of Uzbekistan himself agreed with Susan Eisenhower that the book should be seen as a starting point for discussion, not an attempt to present a set of final answers.

Following the seminar, the Embassy of Uzbekistan hosted a dinner for the participants at which discussions on the book continued in a more informal fashion.