DILDORA ABIDJANOVA, PHD

University of World Economy and Diplomacy

Fulbright Visiting Specialist

Tashkent, Uzbekistan 2009

GUEST LECTURING ON THE HISTORY OF ISLAM, CENTRAL ASIA, AND WOMENS RIGHTS IN MUSLIM SOCIETIES

The International Studies Program and the Office of International Affairs hosted Dildora Abidjanova from Uzbekistan’s University of World Economy and Diplomacy, Department of World Political History where she is an associate professor on the Faculty of International Relations. Abidjanova holds a PhD in History from the Institute of History, Uzbek Academy of Sciences. Her research specialties are History of Muslim Civilization; Social, Political and Economic History of Central Asia; History of Religion and Culture in Central Asia and Women’s Rights in Post-Soviet Countries. Abidjanova also served as a consultant for the United Nations, co-authoring the Millennium Development Goals Report for Uzbekistan, and for the European Union, coordinating a research group that analyzed the structure and impact of neighborhood communities (Mahallas) in the Fergana Valley.Abidjanova received a year-long award from Fulbright and Harvard University before coming to CU Denver on Fulbright’s Visiting Specialist Program: Direct Access to the Muslim World. During her six week stay in Denver, she gave guest lectures on campus and at surrounding universities and organizations in Colorado. Abidjanova also received invitations to guest lecture at the University of Wyoming and at Eastern Washington University.Abidjanova enjoyed her visit to Denver and felt that it provided a great environment for international students. She recognized that the city is young and dynamic, with a beautiful landscape and a slower pace of life that offers a wonderful alternative to an East or West Coast American city. She noted that it attracts international students and provides a rich multicultural environment. Abidjanova was pleased to be affiliated with the Political Science Department as a guest lecturer. She found value in the interactions with her colleagues, the CU Denver students, the syllabi and program points; her plan included carrying the concepts and information back to the University of the World Economy and Diplomacy to develop new program courses. Much of Abidjanova’s previous experience was in research; guest lecturing and co-teaching  contributed to her professional growth and development. She reported that her involvement with the American education system resulted in a very positive experience. The collaboration with colleagues and the networking opportunities provided Abidjanova with new ideas for future collaborative projects in research, teaching and exchange.