On the occasion of the 542nd anniversary of the birth of our great compatriot Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur, presentations of the Italian translation of the “Baburnama” work are being held in Italy by the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, the Embassy of Uzbekistan in this country, and the “Sandro Teti Editore” publishing house in Rome City. The translation has been published in multiple copies by this publishing house with a foreword by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
In a ceremony organized with the participation of historians and oriental studies scholars, public and cultural figures in the historic “Palazzo Strozzi” palace in Florence, extensive discussions were held about the life and creative work of Babur, and the essence of the “Baburnama” work.
Notable Italian scientist, Professor Franco Cardini, President of the “Palazzo Strozzi” complex, member of the Italian Senate Riccardo Nencini, head of the “Sandro Teti Editore” publishing house Sandro Teti, Vice President of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, Professor Bahrom Abduhalimov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Uzbekistan to Italy Abat Fayzullayev, Director of the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan Firdavs Abdukhalikov, and others outlined the significance of publishing “Baburnama” in this country as an important event in the development of socio-cultural relations between the two countries.
– “The “Baburnama” can be described as a unique encyclopedia that narrates historical events that took place in Central Asia, Afghanistan, India, and Iran during the XV–XVI centuries, a gem of the creative work of the great poet, thinker, and statesman Babur, – said Riccardo Nencini. – since the early XVIII century, the “Baburnama” started to be translated into European languages. Today, this publication that we are presenting is a bright and effective example of literary and cultural-humanitarian cooperation between the Italian and Uzbek peoples. His Excellency Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the President of Uzbekistan, is making a significant contribution to developing cultural relations between our peoples. Of course, studying the life and activities of great personalities from the East, in particular, from the land of Uzbekistan, is of utmost importance to us.
– As noted in the foreword by the leader of Uzbekistan, Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the acquaintance of the Italian scientific and cultural community with the invaluable heritage of the great poet and encyclopedic scholar, and the three-thousand-year history of Uzbek statehood will aid in understanding the essence of positive changes being made in the path of building the New Uzbekistan, the spiritual world of your people. The process of publishing the work in Italian involved a team of qualified translators, editors, and designers. I express my heartfelt gratitude to all our friends who made a worthy contribution to the publishing of the book, especially to the rector of the Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature named after Alisher Navoiy, academician Shuhrat Sirojidinov, renowned Turkologist Professor Federico De Renzi, translator Federico Pastore, and notable Italian scholar and writer Franco Cardini for their selfless dedication.
This magnificent publication is adorned with 96 miniatures related to the Baburid period, and is noteworthy for its high-quality printing.
– “The translation of the “Baburnama” into foreign languages began even during the author's lifetime, – said Bahrom Abduhalimov. – Today, this immortal work has been translated into the languages of great thinkers like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Dante, Petrarch for the first time. This edition will serve to further spread knowledge about Babur's creative work among the cultural community in Italy, in Europe in general, and in academic circles. The implementation of this creative project will undoubtedly elevate the scientific relations between Uzbek and Italian scholars to a new level.”
At the event, the Director of the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, Firdavs Abdukhalikov, emphasized the great attention paid to preserving and promoting cultural heritage on the initiative of our respected President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in the New Uzbekistan, expressing confidence in the consistent continuation of scientific-educational relations with Italian colleagues.
– Thanks to the wise policy of our state leader, today the global community, including the people of Italy, is rediscovering Uzbekistan. – said the Director of the Center. – The translation of the “Baburnama” into Italian is a new practical step in this direction. We are pleased to see the high respect and attention to Amir Timur and the Timurids, Babur and the Baburids heritage in Italy. In particular, we were proud to see the unique portrait of our ancestor Amir Timur in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. During our trip, we also plan to closely examine a number of manuscript works of Ibn Sina preserved at the University of Bologna Library. Moreover, a visit to the Vatican Library is also planned. We believe that we will witness new discoveries related to the history of our Homeland, the heritage of our great ancestors in this famous institution of science.
– The translation of the “Baburnama” into Italian can be considered a significant cultural event, – said Victoria Petrosyants, President of the Italian Vico film company, who participated in the event. – The cultural heritage of Uzbekistan is extremely rich and diverse. For several years, our company has been creating films about the lives of great scholars who emerged from this land, in collaboration with Uzbek partners. We are provided with all conditions for this. Frankly, I have rarely seen such high respect and care for historical heritage in other countries of the world. It is indeed worthy of emulation in every aspect.
The scientific and educational events dedicated to the immortal memory of our great ancestor Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur left a lasting impression on the hearts of all participants.
