{"id":2128052,"date":"2026-09-04T13:00:40","date_gmt":"2026-09-04T10:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2128052"},"modified":"2026-09-04T13:00:40","modified_gmt":"2026-09-04T10:00:40","slug":"how-knowledge-and-media-can-challenge-misconceptions-about-islam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2128052","title":{"rendered":"How knowledge and media can challenge misconceptions about Islam"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/88\/65\/76\/1200x675_cmsv2_cf314b36-e101-5171-9a0c-49db9d99427c-9886576.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2923185-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2923185\" data-cid=\"9901990\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923185-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/19\/74\/189x106_cmsv2_8ffda233-4f1f-5f1d-80a5-9f69b0fab349-9901974.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"TAP aircraft at Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Business<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    TAP privatisation: Portuguese government opens talks with Air France-KLM and Lufthansa\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2922413-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2922413\" data-cid=\"9901879\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2922413-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" 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src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/19\/74\/189x106_cmsv2_8ffda233-4f1f-5f1d-80a5-9f69b0fab349-9901974.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"TAP aircraft at Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Business<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    TAP privatisation: Portuguese government opens talks with Air France-KLM and Lufthansa\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2922413-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2922413\" data-cid=\"9901879\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2922413-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" 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src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/19\/46\/189x106_cmsv2_6f6b6789-33b8-5ee4-8832-3b514812d889-9901946.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The island of beaches and pine forests is seeing its historic hotels revamped and a new property open. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Residences<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Hotel revamps signal quiet luxury revival of Venice\u2019s Lido island\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923071-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2923071\" data-cid=\"9901300\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923071-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/13\/00\/189x106_cmsv2_dd588f09-5a9b-53a0-94e6-ce98bfaa5cf5-9901300.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Migrants transferred to centers in Albania run by Italian government, a kind of precursor of return hubs\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Five EU countries in talks to set up return hubs by 2027\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          News<\/p>\n<p>                          World<\/p>\n<p>                          Focus<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            How knowledge and media can challenge misconceptions about Islam<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-sp\"><span class=\"c-sp__label\">In partnership with<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/campaigns\/941\/180x101_cmsv2_09f7b46a-0732-5ee4-9653-25c5569b200a-941.jpg\" width=\"180\" height=\"101\" alt=\"Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan\" class=\"c-sp__logo\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-controller=\"video-player\" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/88\/65\/76\/1536x864_cmsv2_cf314b36-e101-5171-9a0c-49db9d99427c-9886576.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"Participants in the International Media Forum pose for a group photo outside the Centre of Islamic Civilisation in Tashkent, Uzbekistan\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              Participants in the International Media Forum pose for a group photo outside the Centre of Islamic Civilisation in Tashkent, Uzbekistan<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">Centre of Islamic Civilisation<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0Centre of Islamic Civilisation\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspAkis Tatsis\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1788526840\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-09-04 15:00:40 +02:00\">04\/09\/2026 &#8211; 15:00 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay js-c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div id=\"js-c-article-share-comment-popup\" class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup js-c-article-share-comment-popup\">\n<div 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width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__embed_container u-display-none\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__embed__tooltip\"><br \/>\n                            Copy\/paste the article video embed link below:<br \/>\n                        <\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__embed u-display-flex\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/icon-copy-to-clipboard.svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"Copy to clipboard\" class=\"u-cursor-pointer js-c-article-share-comment-copy\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__embed--success-copied u-display-none js-c-article-share-comment-video-embed-success-link-copied\"><br \/>\n                                Copied<br \/>\n                            <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        Organised by the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, the forum gathered nearly 300 participants from around 50 countries. Discussions ranged from responsibility for misrepresentations of Islam and journalistic independence to Europe\u2019s closer engagement with Central Asia.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>The International Media Forum \u201cIslamic Civilization: A New Perspective &#8211; New Discoveries\u201d, organised by the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, brought to Tashkent a series of debates that extend well beyond the event itself.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Nearly 300 media professionals, researchers, publishers, filmmakers and technology specialists from around 50 countries discussed how the history and heritage of Islamic societies are represented, how stereotypes are challenged and how old sources can be made relevant to new audiences.<\/p>\n<p>Organisers linked the forum\u2019s wider purpose to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev\u2019s 2017 address to the UN General Assembly, when he rejected attempts to associate Islam with violence and bloodshed and proposed a resolution on \u201cEnlightenment and Religious Tolerance\u201d, which was adopted the following year.<\/p>\n<p>The forum translated that broad idea into debates about media, evidence, technology and historical interpretation.<\/p>\n<h2>Islamophobia, knowledge and responsibility<\/h2>\n<p>Firdavs Abdukhalikov, the centre\u2019s director, argued that misconceptions about Islam should be addressed through knowledge and explanation rather than confrontation.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn the media space, we should speak not to argue, but to explain,\u201d he said. \u201cThe most effective response to Islamophobia is enlightenment. The strongest response to misconceptions is truth. The most effective weapon against ignorance is knowledge.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Abdukhalikov also focused on the scientific and cultural history of Islamic societies, arguing that it should be presented more widely and on the basis of research and evidence.<\/p>\n<p>Hasanbey Kondu, who heads Turkish publishing house Mega Bas\u0131m, added another layer to the debate. He argued that distorted perceptions could not simply be blamed on Europe or the modern West.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIslam is misunderstood and misrepresented, intentionally or unintentionally \u2014 and I include Muslims in that,\u201d Kondu said. \u201cIt is not enough to blame Europeans or the modern world. As a Muslim, how are you presenting Islam? How have you understood it yourself? Perhaps we need to look first at our own shortcomings.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Reporting a region Europe long overlooked<\/h2>\n<p>The question of representation also extended to Uzbekistan and Central Asia themselves.<\/p>\n<p>Sherzod Asadov, press secretary to Uzbekistan\u2019s president, told foreign journalists that they were not being asked simply to speak positively about the country.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe invite you to see it with your own eyes, talk to people, ask questions and draw your own conclusions,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>In the same speech, Asadov addressed the impact of artificial intelligence on journalism. AI could expand a journalist\u2019s capabilities but could not replace the journalist, he argued, adding that however technology changes, truth, impartiality, conscience and the interests of people should remain central.<\/p>\n<p>Euronews CEO Claus Strunz placed that debate in a wider European context. He recalled how Central Asia had once been largely absent from European public discussion, except in reports about disasters or romanticised stories about the Silk Road.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat was arrogant and blind then,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>Institutional ties have deepened in recent years. In April 2025, the first EU-Central Asia summit was held in Samarkand, where the two regions upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership.<\/p>\n<p>For Strunz, that shift reflects Central Asia\u2019s growing economic, political and cultural importance to Europe. \u201cIt is time to look East again,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>But greater attention, he argued, should remain grounded in independent reporting. Journalists should be present on the ground, report what they find and give audiences enough information to form their own views.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe are not here to teach them. We are here to inform them.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Europe and Central Asia: links that go back centuries<\/h2>\n<p>The forum also placed today\u2019s rapprochement against a much longer history of exchange between Europe, Central Asia and the wider Silk Road world.<\/p>\n<p>Italian researcher Dr Mario Taddei, a specialist in Leonardo da Vinci\u2019s manuscripts and inventions, described what he calls a \u201cKnowledge Silk Road\u201d, his term for the movement of scientific ideas from China through the Middle East and into Renaissance Europe.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking about Western perceptions of scientific history, Taddei said: \u201cWe believe that we invented everything, but it\u2019s not true.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Dr Taddei cited medieval engineers Al-Muradi and Al-Jazari as part of a wider history of mechanical and scientific exchange.<\/p>\n<p>A different connection emerged through publisher Charlotte Kramer. Spanish envoy Ruy Gonz\u00e1lez de Clavijo was sent by King Henry III of Castile to Timur and reached Samarkand in 1404, leaving a detailed account of the journey. Kramer presented a publishing project based on that historical record.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe already see a very strong connection from Europe to Central Asia,\u201d she said, pointing to both the Silk Road and diplomatic dialogue.<\/p>\n<p>The forum also explored how such material can reach audiences today. Presentations included books, documentaries, digital avatars, immersive platforms and other new formats for presenting historical figures and sources.<\/p>\n<p>Hungarian media executive Alpar Kato summed up that approach as bringing together \u201csomething modern and an old, traditional story.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The setting itself reflected much of that discussion. The forum was held at the centre in Tashkent, where historical research, publishing and new media projects were presented side by side.<\/p>\n<p>Firdavs Abdukhalikov, the centre\u2019s director, summed up that ambition in his address: \u201cHistory should speak. Cultural heritage should communicate with people. The past should inspire today\u2019s generation to new discoveries.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Islam<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Media<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" 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src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2923071-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923071\" data-cid=\"9901300\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923071-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/13\/00\/320x180_cmsv2_dd588f09-5a9b-53a0-94e6-ce98bfaa5cf5-9901300.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Migrants transferred to centers in Albania run by Italian government, a kind of precursor of return hubs\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Five EU countries in talks to set up return hubs by 2027<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2923167-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923167\" data-cid=\"9901906\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923167-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/19\/06\/320x180_cmsv2_2254ec47-d5b5-5adf-81dd-d8bdd6785f18-9901906.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Smoke rises after a Russian drone attack in downtown Kyiv, Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title 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decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923071-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923071\" data-cid=\"9901300\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923071-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/13\/00\/320x180_cmsv2_dd588f09-5a9b-53a0-94e6-ce98bfaa5cf5-9901300.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Migrants transferred to centers in Albania run by Italian government, a kind of precursor of return hubs\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Five EU countries in talks to set up return hubs by 2027<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923167-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923167\" data-cid=\"9901906\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923167-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/19\/06\/320x180_cmsv2_2254ec47-d5b5-5adf-81dd-d8bdd6785f18-9901906.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Smoke rises after a Russian drone attack in downtown Kyiv, Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Russian drone strikes Ukraine Security Service HQ in central Kyiv<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923129-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923129\" data-cid=\"9901673\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923129-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/16\/73\/320x180_cmsv2_792479f6-a4b7-5bde-87ae-3db10d000f1b-9901673.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Soldiers practice military skills at a training ground near the frontline in the Zaporizhzhia region, 24 July, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    US will ask Europe to repay all aid sent to Ukraine, Trump says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923134-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923134\" data-cid=\"9901690\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923134-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/16\/90\/320x180_cmsv2_8cf53998-5ab6-5d79-9086-0379c593fe14-9901690.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, right, and Brazil&apos;s President Lula da Silva address the media in Brussels, July 17, 2023.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    No need to audit our meat, says Brazil&#8217;s EU ambassador<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2922855-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922855\" data-cid=\"9900182\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2922855-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/01\/82\/320x180_cmsv2_5a029b93-30fa-5de0-952f-fddb6ac2263a-9900182.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Power to the people: Afghan pop and folk singer Aryana Sayeed is bringing her &apos;Ladies Only&apos; concert tour to Europe\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ladies Only: Afghan pop star takes on Taliban with European tour<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2922769-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922769\" data-cid=\"9899705\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Norway seizes Russian ship over Ukraine&#8217;s $4.2bn Crimea claim<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2922870-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922870\" data-cid=\"9900305\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    371 days and 62 countries: World&#8217;s longest cruise departs from Rome<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2922949-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922949\" data-cid=\"9900738\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump hints US may not back UK over Falklands over Iran support<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2913471-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2913471\" data-cid=\"9854544\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Russia targets Europe, Ceuta crisis deepens, AfD leads in east Germany<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2922768-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922768\" data-cid=\"9899704\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    China demands France scrap fast fashion law targeting Shein and Temu<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">The International Media Forum \u201cIslamic Civilization: A New Perspective &#8211; New Discoveries\u201d, organised by the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, brought to Tashkent a series of debates that extend well beyond the event itself.Nearly 300 media professionals, researchers, publishers, filmmakers and technology specialists from around 50 countries discussed how the history and heritage of Islamic societies are represented, how stereotypes are challenged and how old sources can be made relevant to new audiences.Organisers linked the forum\u2019s wider purpose to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev\u2019s 2017 address to the UN General Assembly, when he rejected attempts to associate Islam with violence and bloodshed and proposed a resolution on \u201cEnlightenment and Religious Tolerance\u201d, which was adopted the following year.The forum translated that broad idea into debates about media, evidence, technology and historical interpretation.Islamophobia, knowledge and responsibilityFirdavs Abdukhalikov, the centre\u2019s director, argued that misconceptions about Islam should be addressed through knowledge and explanation rather than confrontation.\u201cIn the media space, we should speak not to argue, but to explain,\u201d he said. \u201cThe most effective response to Islamophobia is enlightenment. The strongest response to misconceptions is truth. The most effective weapon against ignorance is knowledge.\u201dAbdukhalikov also focused on the scientific and cultural history of Islamic societies, arguing that it should be presented more widely and on the basis of research and evidence.Hasanbey Kondu, who heads Turkish publishing house Mega Bas\u0131m, added another layer to the debate. He argued that distorted perceptions could not simply be blamed on Europe or the modern West.\u201cIslam is misunderstood and misrepresented, intentionally or unintentionally \u2014 and I include Muslims in that,\u201d Kondu said. \u201cIt is not enough to blame Europeans or the modern world. As a Muslim, how are you presenting Islam? How have you understood it yourself? Perhaps we need to look first at our own shortcomings.\u201dReporting a region Europe long overlookedThe question of representation also extended to Uzbekistan and Central Asia themselves.Sherzod Asadov, press secretary to Uzbekistan\u2019s president, told foreign journalists that they were not being asked simply to speak positively about the country.\u201cWe invite you to see it with your own eyes, talk to people, ask questions and draw your own conclusions,\u201d he said.In the same speech, Asadov addressed the impact of artificial intelligence on journalism. AI could expand a journalist\u2019s capabilities but could not replace the journalist, he argued, adding that however technology changes, truth, impartiality, conscience and the interests of people should remain central.Euronews CEO Claus Strunz placed that debate in a wider European context. He recalled how Central Asia had once been largely absent from European public discussion, except in reports about disasters or romanticised stories about the Silk Road.\u201cThat was arrogant and blind then,\u201d he said.Institutional ties have deepened in recent years. In April 2025, the first EU-Central Asia summit was held in Samarkand, where the two regions upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership.For Strunz, that shift reflects Central Asia\u2019s growing economic, political and cultural importance to Europe. \u201cIt is time to look East again,\u201d he said.But greater attention, he argued, should remain grounded in independent reporting. Journalists should be present on the ground, report what they find and give audiences enough information to form their own views.\u201cWe are not here to teach them. We are here to inform them.\u201dEurope and Central Asia: links that go back centuriesThe forum also placed today\u2019s rapprochement against a much longer history of exchange between Europe, Central Asia and the wider Silk Road world.Italian researcher Dr Mario Taddei, a specialist in Leonardo da Vinci\u2019s manuscripts and inventions, described what he calls a \u201cKnowledge Silk Road\u201d, his term for the movement of scientific ideas from China through the Middle East and into Renaissance Europe.Speaking about Western perceptions of scientific history, Taddei said: \u201cWe believe that we invented everything, but it\u2019s not true.\u201dDr Taddei cited medieval engineers Al-Muradi and Al-Jazari as part of a wider history of mechanical and scientific exchange.A different connection emerged through publisher Charlotte Kramer. Spanish envoy Ruy Gonz\u00e1lez de Clavijo was sent by King Henry III of Castile to Timur and reached Samarkand in 1404, leaving a detailed account of the journey. Kramer presented a publishing project based on that historical record.\u201cWe already see a very strong connection from Europe to Central Asia,\u201d she said, pointing to both the Silk Road and diplomatic dialogue.The forum also explored how such material can reach audiences today. Presentations included books, documentaries, digital avatars, immersive platforms and other new formats for presenting historical figures and sources.Hungarian media executive Alpar Kato summed up that approach as bringing together \u201csomething modern and an old, traditional story.\u201dThe setting itself reflected much of that discussion. The forum was held at the centre in Tashkent, where historical research, publishing and new media projects were presented side by side.Firdavs Abdukhalikov, the centre\u2019s director, summed up that ambition in his address: \u201cHistory should speak. Cultural heritage should communicate with people. The past should inspire today\u2019s generation to new discoveries.\u201d<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2026\/09\/04\/how-knowledge-and-media-can-challenge-misconceptions-about-islam&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/88\/65\/76\/1200x675_cmsv2_cf314b36-e101-5171-9a0c-49db9d99427c-9886576.jpg&#8221;] Business TAP privatisation: Portuguese government opens talks with Air France-KLM and Lufthansa Europe News Passport for a newborn: Birth tourism is reshaping Russian emigration Residences Hotel revamps signal quiet luxury revival of Venice\u2019s Lido island Europe News Five EU countries in talks to set up return hubs by 2027 Business TAP privatisation: [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-2128052","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2128052","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2128052"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2128052\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2128052"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2128052"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2128052"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}