Vatan: First of all, thank you for accepting our invitation to talk to us. Your name is quite well known in our country; I’d even go so far as to say it’s famous. There are, of course, certain reasons for this. First of all, you’re a renowned scholar in the Islamic world, and because you studied in Bukhara, we consider you one of ours. Secondly, it’s because of your love for Uzbekistan: We have often heard and seen you speak of our country with special affection and warmth. Pashazade: Indeed, this country is sacred to me. You, my Uzbek brethren, have contributed enormously to my reaching my present level. First and foremost, the love and sincerity of Uzbeks has had a profound effect on my ethical worldview. From them I learned religious tolerance and acceptance of other cultures and customs. After travelling the world and reaching a certain age, I realised that there are very few people in the world who are as hospitable and compassionate as the Uzbeks. This is somethi