On October 16-17, 2025, an international symposium dedicated to the great encyclopedist scholar Abu Rayhan Biruni was held at the initiative of Biruni University in Istanbul, Turkey, and the Al-Biruni Institute of Oriental Studies, Uzbekistan Academy of Sciences. The event was dedicated to the scientific method, philosophy and incomparable contribution to the development of world civilization of Abu Rayhan Biruni, one of the greatest scientists in human history, a man of encyclopedic knowledge.
At the opening ceremony it was delivered speeches by the Rector of Biruni University, Prof. Adnan Yuksel, the Chairman of the organizing committee, Prof. Adnan O'merusta oglu, the Head of the Istanbul International Center for Cultural Studies, Prof. Bekir Karliga, the Deputy chairman of the Turkish Language Committee, Prof. Harun Shohin, the Vice-president of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, Prof. Bahrom Abduhalimov and the Vice-rector of the Uzbekistan University of Journalism and Mass Communications, Prof. Sanjarbek Rashidov.
Eight scientific sessions were organized within the framework of the symposium. In the first session, Prof. Stephen Frederick Starr, Prof. Jan Peter Hogendijk, Prof. Bekir Karliga, and Prof. Bahrom Abduhalimov analyzed Biruni's scientific legacy and his theoretical views in various fields.
The second session was dedicated to the topics of culture and civilization, and professors Bakhtiyor Karimov, Kemal Ataman, and Ma'rifat Hamdamova participated with lectures on Beruni's scientific contribution to the modern concept of civilization.
In the next sessions, lectures were given on philosophy, sociology, scientific ethics, history, astronomy, mathematics, medicine, and source studies.
Prof. Surayyo Karimova's lecture that "Did Biruni practice practical medicine?" and her solutions aroused interest among many participants.
A special highlight was the special session dedicated to "Biruni's Manuscripts", who are Uzbek scholars Assoc. Prof. Salimakhon Eshonova, Assoc. Prof. Fakhriddin Ibragimov, Assoc. Prof. Akbar Nurmatov, and Botirjon Abdullaev presented manuscript copies of Biruni's works and factual information about their scientific significance.
Following the symposium, an agreement was reached between Istanbul Biruni University and the Al- Biruni Institute of Oriental Studies, Uzbekistan Academy of Sciences to establish long-term cooperation, conduct in-depth study of Biruni's scientific heritage and conduct research on an international scale.
The event marked the beginning of a new phase of cooperation between the scientific institutions of the two countries and laid a solid foundation for future international scientific programs aimed at further studying the legacy of Biruni.
