UOS participates in UNESCO Chair Conference in Turkey

Keynote address highlights historical knowledge exchanges

In his keynote address, Prof. Mesut Idriz, Director of SIFHAMS, traced the historical pathways through which knowledge flowed between the Islamic world and Latin America. He highlighted the scientific legacy of Al-Andalus and the contributions of Muslim navigators to early mapping and seafaring, emphasising the global impact of these developments. Prof. Idriz called for a more inclusive understanding of the “discovery of the New World,” recognizing the intellectual and cultural imprint of Muslim civilisation.

Strengthening scientific diplomacy and collaboration

Prof. Idriz praised ongoing collaboration among participating academic institutions and reaffirmed the University of Sharjah’s commitment to scientific diplomacy. He emphasised supporting joint research initiatives and creating platforms for young scholars from the Islamic world and Latin America to exchange expertise, particularly in the humanities, digitisation, and heritage preservation.

Contributions from University of Sharjah scholars

Scholars from the University of Sharjah presented research on topics such as digital heritage preservation, scientific diplomacy, intercultural dialogue, and astronomy. Prof. Jairo Lugo-Ocando, Dean of the College of Communication, and Prof. Nadia Al Hosani, Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Design, moderated several sessions. Among the presenters, Dr. Semiyu Aderibigbe discussed knowledge justice and global education, Dr Mohamed Ali examined Turkey’s cultural diplomacy in Latin America, and researcher Saleh Mohamed Zaki Mahmoud introduced a study on the digital preservation of manuscripts and historical documents. Dr Noura Nasser Al-Karbi shared the UAE’s experience in international scholarships as a model for fostering intercultural dialogue, while Dr Mashhour Ahmed Al-Wardat offered a critical reassessment of astronomical evidence underlying the heliocentric theory.

Chairing sessions on Islamic-Latin knowledge exchanges

Prof. Idriz chaired a session titled “Entangled Histories: Islamic-Latin Encounters and Cross-Continental Knowledge Flows,” which explored the cultural and economic exchanges that shaped relations between the Islamic world and Latin America.

Conference conclusion: Scientific visits and cultural performances

The conference concluded with scientific visits to the historic Süleymaniye Complex and Topkapı Museum, along with hands-on workshops on documenting scientific heritage through open science practices. The program wrapped up with artistic and cultural performances celebrating dialogue among civilisations.