The heritage of "Muslim Renaissance" epoch

Back in the past there was a permanent and live bridge between Asia and Europe, which provided the unity of civilization's heritage and scientific and cultural interosculation. This bridge assisted Europe and particularly, Spanish scholars, thinkers and wanderers to enrich the European civilization's treasure. As evidence, we just need to recall several facts of the past.

"Algebra" by Al-Khorezmi was interpreted by Robert from Chester, who came to Spain to learn mathematics. Later his translation had a serious impact on medieval algebra, for instance, Al-Khorezmi's arithmetical treatise, starting with the words "Dixit Algoritmi" (the modern word "algebra" originates from them), influenced the development of European algebra.

"Elements of Astronomy" by Ahmad al-Ferghani widened the simplest, non-mathematical meanings of Ptolemaic geocentric astronomy; the "Elements" also influenced the development of western science. The book was twice interpreted into Latin: in Toledo (the first half of the 12th c.) by Johann from Seville, and several decades later, almost entirely, by Gerardo Cremonian.

The "Al-Konun" by Avicenna (980-1037), also called "Medical Bible" was a basis of medicine not only in Islamic world, but also in entire Europe. The "Al-Konun" was the European universities' handbook over 600 years, and this is the best evidence of it.

Al-Beruni's knowledge was striking by virtue of its accuracy; in the "Geodesy" he stated the Earth's diameter is "9000 farsahs, one farsah equals 12000 cubits". Converting in into contemporary measures, which makes 39.987 kilometers, we can see that his calculation is only five hundredth percent shorter than the true circumference of the Earth by a meridian.

It was Beruni who foretold the existence of America which was discovered many centuries later by Spanish sailors. In this case, it is interesting to look at a hypothesis that the work and knowledge of "Muslim Renaissance" scholars decisively influenced the development of Spanish seafaring thanks to the use of astrology, geography and other sciences.

A new milestone of bilateral relations

It was viewed as natural that historical links between Uzbek and Spanish peoples contributed to Spain's recognition of Uzbekistan's independence three months later, and in 1992 the two countries established diplomatic relations.

Spain largely differs from other European states. Its location at the junction between Europe and Africa, Christian and Islamic world, landlocked Mediterranean and boundless Atlantic have strongly dinted the country's image and its residents.

Concerning the Spanish cultural and historical heritage, we may note such fact that a number of historical and architectural monuments were listed as world heritage sites and humanity's property.

In 2003 the President Islam Karimov paid an official visit to Spain. Having a meeting with Spanish King Juan Carlos I, Islam Karimov was awarded the Order "For civil merits", which is Spain's highest state award, and clear evidence that Madrid recognizes a big contribution to successful socio-political and socio-economical reforms, as well as strengthening our country's image on the international stage. This visit made a new milestone in the history of Uzbek-Spanish bilateral relations. For the time being it is pleasant to note that contacts between two countries' are carried out almost in all fields.

In 2005 a delegation from Oliy Majlis's Legislative Chamber visited Spain to get acquainted with the Spanish Parliament's activity. In March 2006 Madrid hosted an international conference devoted to the 600th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the state of Amir Temur and Castile Kingdom and to 670 years from the Amir Timur's birthday.

Recently, in April 2007 M. Moratinos, the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs paid a visit to Uzbekistan. During the visit the issues of further developing Uzbek-Spanish relations were discussed. The Head of Foreign policy department of Spain noted that "in relations between Uzbekistan and Spain begins a new stage and decision made by Uzbekistan to open an embassy in Madrid will only strengthen political, economical and cultural ties".

Trade-economic and investment cooperation is developing actively as well. Among prioritized investment projects already realized in Uzbekistan by Spanish enterprises is the project of "Uzfarmprom" State concern on production of medicinal cotton, surgical drape and yarn on the "Sarbontex AGPKO" base in Gulistan at the amount of 6,8 million euro. The given project is carried out with participation of Spanish company Grupos de Aspiration y Caldereria S.A.

Six centuries of interosculation of cultures and science, similarity of geographical parameters, closeness of views not only in basic questions of the world agenda, but also in family domestic and moral traditions reveals that Uzbekistan and Spain will not only be able to preserve the existing level of cooperation, but will also be able to provide further grafting of diverse mutual cooperation.

Currently the Spanish side studies the opportunity of realization of a set of investment projects, financed at the expense of beneficial credits of Spanish government. Including, "Equipment of 50 operating medical colleges with equipment" and "Equipment of Scientific Research Institute of midwifery and gynaecology and its branches with modern medical equipment", with a total cost of 25 million euro.