“This is a very great and significant achievement” — Gulshat Abikova

Gulshat Abikova, Head of the Rare Books and Manuscripts Department, National Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan:

At first sight, I was deeply impressed. I toured all the sections and each left an unforgettable impression. But what I liked most was the First Renaissance section. It wonderfully demonstrates how Islam and science were harmonized, presenting the works of the thinkers of that era in an outstanding way.

 

The Second Renaissance section, dedicated to the activities of Amir Timur and Mirzo Ulughbek, also made a strong impression. I was astonished to see that artifacts related to Uzbekistan, preserved abroad, have been gathered and returned to the people. Under the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, some items were even purchased at foreign auctions and brought here. I believe this is a very great and significant achievement.

 

To be honest, I had imagined the library differently. It turned out to be incredibly beautiful. In this modern library, the ancient spirit has been harmonized with specially designed reading halls and soundproof rooms. There are even dedicated areas for making phone calls. I was amazed by all of this. My congratulations. This Center unites not only the heritage of Uzbekistan but of the entire Turkic world.