Samarkand: Recent studies conducted by ICESCO reveal that a significant portion of the world's endangered cultural heritage sites are located in the Islamic world, according to Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector of ICESCO. During a panel session titled 'Sustainable and Empowering Cultural Revitalization,' APA reports that Karimov emphasized the importance of integrating culture into the restoration and reconstruction processes as a crucial component for sustainable development in post-conflict areas.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Karimov pointed out that 33 out of the 36 heritage sites currently under threat worldwide are situated in Islamic countries. This accounts for approximately 60 percent of the total endangered sites, indicating a pressing need for increased international collaboration and preventive measures to safeguard these cultural treasures.

Karimov further highlighted that there are currently 840 heritage examples registered on ICESCO's tangible and intangible cultural heritage lists. At a session held this year in Samarkand, 117 new cultural heritage elements from 16 countries were added to the list. The designation of Shusha as the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World for 2024 is seen as a significant step toward the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage on an international scale.