For centuries, Central Asia has been recognised as a cradle of great thinkers, scholars, philosophers, and physicians. Among its brightest figures stands Abu Ali Ibn Sina, known in the West as Avicenna, whose scientific and intellectual legacy continues to be held in high esteem across the globe.

Ibn Sina was born in 980 in the village of Afshona, near Bukhara, in what is today the Republic of Uzbekistan. His early education was shaped in Bukhara, where his extraordinary intellectual talent began to emerge. He later conducted scientific and medical work in such centres as Khorezm, Ray, Hamadan, and others. This alone illustrates that his legacy cannot be confined to a single nation or state – he is a cultural and scientific heritage shared by the entire region.

His works, particularly The Canon of Medicine and The Book of Healing, served for centuries as foundational texts in medicine and philosophy, both in the East and in the West. Writing primarily in Arabic and Persian, Ibn Sina’s ideas reached across continents. His books remained core medical texts at European universities up until the 17^th century.

It is also noteworthy that Ibn Sina’s writings gained even wider circulation during the reign of Genghis Khan and his successors. The centralised governance of the Mongol Empire, the protection of trade routes, and efficient communication systems allowed his scientific knowledge to spread to China, India, and even Europe. In this sense, the knowledge created by Ibn Sina’s pen found its global reach in part thanks to the order and political framework established by Genghis Khan.

Today, Ibn Sina’s name is proudly remembered across Central Asia and beyond. His monuments stand in several countries; his works are studied, discussed at academic conferences, and continue to inspire research to this day. This once again affirms that his legacy should not be reduced to claims of national ownership – he rightfully belongs to all of us.

His name unites nations, while his ideas and legacy serve as a bridge between cultures. In an era when Central Asian countries seek deeper regional dialogue, the figure of Ibn Sina stands not only as a symbol of intellectual brilliance but also as a shared historical memory that strengthens mutual respect and trust.

Abu Ali Ibn Sina is not merely a figure of one nation or territory – he is a son of the whole of Central Asia. His legacy transcends borders. His devotion to science, humanity, justice, and life itself remains a living example of universal values. Honouring such extraordinary individuals as part of our common historical heritage lays a solid foundation for friendship, understanding, and future cooperation between the peoples of the region.

NURULLO RASULOV