
On 28 January 2025, H.E. Ardasher Qodiri, Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan to Malaysia, met with Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr. Abdelaziz Berghout, Dean of the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC-IIUM), to explore opportunities for strengthening academic and cultural cooperation between Tajikistan and Malaysia, particularly in the fields of Islamic studies and civilization.
During the meeting, H.E. Ardasher Qodiri visited the ISTAC-IIUM library, which houses ancient copies of the original manuscripts of several historically significant literary works, including those by prominent Persian-Tajik scholars and poets such as Firdawsi, Nasir al-Din Tusi, and al-Biruni. The Ambassador commended ISTAC-IIUM’s dedication to preserving these invaluable pieces of heritage, underscoring their importance in the global intellectual and cultural landscape.
A key point of discussion was the recent trend of certain nations laying claim to the literary and scholarly heritage of Firdawsi’s “Shahnameh” and the works of al-Biruni. H.E. Ardasher Qodiri emphasized that historical evidence unequivocally affirms the Persian-Tajik origins of these distinguished figures and their contributions to world civilization.
Both parties underscored the importance of fostering intellectual exchange and research collaboration between institutions of higher learning in Tajikistan and Malaysia. The meeting reaffirmed a mutual commitment to enhancing educational ties, facilitating joint research initiatives, and promoting a deeper understanding of shared cultural and historical legacies.



