Aligarh: The inaugural session of the international seminar on “Cross-cultural Exchanges in Islamic History: Past and Present” organized by the Department of Islamic Studies at Aligarh Muslim University, in a hybrid mode, featured renowned scholars and intellectuals from around the globe.

The seminar explored the rich tapestry of cross-cultural exchanges in Islamic history and their contemporary implications. It brought together scholars, researchers, and practitioners to delve into the intellectual and academic discourses that have shaped the understanding of Islamic history and its global impact.

The Chief Guest of the inaugural session Prof Naima Gulrez, Principal, of Women’s College at AMU, underscored the brilliance of Muslims’ past contributions to intellectual and academic discourses in philosophy, science, and beyond, highlighting the need to revisit and build upon this legacy in the modern era.

Guest of honor, Professor Mirza Asmer Beg, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, emphasized the richness of Islamic intellectual history in all its dimensions while advocating for a practical discourse relevant to contemporary challenges.

Professor Mohd. Sanuallah, Chairman, Department of Arabic, AMU, provided a comprehensive analysis of cross-culturalism in medieval Muslim intellectualism and its profound impact on the Western Renaissance of knowledge, shedding light on the interconnectedness of civilizations.

Keynote speaker Professor Abdul Ali, former Chairman, the Department of Islamic Studies at AMU, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on historical comparisons and encounters between Greek, Indian, and Iranian civilizations, and their influence on academic discourses within the Islamic world.

The seminar’s Convenor and Co-Convenor, Dr. Bilal Ahmad Kutty and Dr. Aijaz Ahmad, respectively, played instrumental roles in organizing the event.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Professor Abdul Hamid Fazili, Director of the seminar and Chairman, the Department of Islamic Studies, AMU, expressed gratitude to all the dignitaries, speakers, and participants for their invaluable contributions to the seminar.