Call for Papers

Dear Scientists and Researchers,

Necmettin Erbakan University (Türkiye), Ebu Reyhan Biruni Urgench State University (Uzbekistan), Alfraganus University (Uzbekistan), and Urgench State Pedagogical Institute (Uzbekistan) are pleased to announce the fourth edition of the “Silk Road and Beyond Congress Series” (SIRCON 2025) to be held under the theme “One Road, One Belt: Sustainable Green Economy, Regional Development, Education, and Cultural Heritage” from October 6-10, 2025 in Urgench, Uzbekistan, hosted by Ebu Reyhan Biruni Urgench State University and Urgench State Pedagogical Institute.

The Silk Road, with its ancient history, served for centuries as a vital trade route stretching from East to West, developed and utilised by many civilisations. The Silk Road, whose main route runs from China to Central Asia, through Iran to Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean, has given rise to a rich world culture shaped by different communities and traditions. Although China often asserts historical ownership of the Silk Road, it has long been a corridor traversing the lands inhabited by Turkish peoples since the 2nd century BCE. The route also served as a means for Muslim traders to spread Islam from China to India, from the Indian Islands to the Philippines, from Iran to Anatolia, and even to the West. Today, the Silk Road is once again poised to play a central role in international strategies and collaborations aimed at advancing the economic, social, political, and cultural development of the Turkish world.

SIRCON 2025 aims to gather a wide array of scholars and researchers from across disciplines and nations to explore the economic, social, cultural, and historical dimensions of the Silk Road. The congress aspires to contribute meaningfully to the medium and long-term development goals of Silk Road countries by offering policy insights and strategic recommendations. Papers in English, Turkish, and Uzbek addressing the congress themes are warmly welcomed.

We look forward to your valuable opinions and scientific contributions to SIRCON 2025 and would be honored and delighted to welcome you to the congress.

Chairman of the Organizing Committee Prof. Dr. Birol Mercan

Congress Topics

1. Sustainable Green Economy

· Green transition: Solutions to the global energy crisis

· Climate crisis, environmental justice, and climate migration

· Renewable energy technologies and energy security

· Nature-based solutions and climate adaptation

· Carbon trading, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria

· Green agreements and international green diplomacy

· Sustainable agriculture and food security

· Natural disasters and disaster resilience

· Environmental sustainability practices in smart cities

· Climate finance, green bonds, and investment strategies

2. Regional Development

· Economic recovery and resilience in the post-pandemic era

· Economic integration within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)

· Logistics and transportation corridors: Digital Silk Road

· Impact of geopolitical uncertainties on regional development

· Regional innovation ecosystems and R&D centers

· Social development, poverty alleviation, and inclusiveness

· Development and integration policies in border regions

· Urbanization, megacities, and sustainable urban growth

· Economic impacts of migration and demographic transformation

· Entrepreneurship, digital economy, and startup ecosystems

3. Education

· Artificial intelligence, big data, and learning analytics in education

· 21st century skills and curriculum renewal

· Remote and hybrid learning models: The new normal 

· Equal opportunity in education and inclusive policies (for individuals with disabilities, refugees, girls, etc.)

· Teacher training, leadership, and professional development

· Internationalization: Student and academic mobility

· Cultural heritage education and digital curriculum materials

· Academic networks and joint programs between Silk Road countries

· New approaches to STEM and STEAM education

· Education policies in the context of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4)

4. Cultural Heritage

· Digitalization and preservation of cultural heritage in virtual environments

· Documentation and analysis of cultural heritage using artificial intelligence

· Migration, diaspora, and the reconstruction of cultural identity

· Tangible and intangible elements of the shared Silk Road heritage

· Cultural diplomacy, international relations, and soft power

· Impacts of war, conflict, and natural disasters on cultural heritage

· Integration of cultural heritage with the economy: Creative industries

· UNESCO processes, conservation criteria, and international law

· Raising cultural heritage awareness among younger generations

· Sustainability and contemporary interpretation of traditional arts

Writing Rules

References should adhere to APA 7.

Headings should be in Calibri 12 pt, uppercase and bold. Main text and subheadings should be in Calibri 11 pt.

Main headings should be written in capital letters and bold.

Tables and figures should use 10 pt font, with titles in Calibri 11 pt. 

Footnotes and “Source: ...” under tables/graphs/figures should be written in 9 pt italic.

Use single line spacing with 6 pt spacing before and after paragraphs. 

Indentation should not be used.

Submissions must include abstracts in English, Turkish, and Uzbek. 

Full-text papers must include an Introduction, Findings, Methodology, and Conclusions and References sections.

Full papers should contain Introduction, Methodology, Findings, Discussion, Conclusions, and References sections.

A contribution and limitations section must follow the Discussion, under separate headings. 

Important Notes

All in-person attendees are required to pay the participation fee. At least one author must attend the congress to receive a certificate of participation for accepted papers. Online participants must also pay the fee. Late payments (after the congress begins) will not be accepted. All sessions and activities are open only to registered participants. 

The in-person participation fee includes the following services:

- Registration for sessions

- Presentation of a paper

- Conference programme booklet

- In-person presentation and participation certificates

- Proceedings book

- Coffee break activities

- Lunch

Please note that accommodation and travel costs are not included in the participation fee. 

The online participation fee includes the following services:

- Registration for sessions

- Presentation of papers

- Conference programme PDF

- Online presentation and participation certificates

- Proceedings book