The Ambassador of Qatar visited the Center of Islamic Civilization

A meeting was held at the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan with His Excellency Hasan bin Hamza Hashim, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Qatar to Uzbekistan. The discussion focused on the development of bilateral cooperation.

 

 

Director of the Center, Firdavs Abdukhalikov, spoke about the goals and objectives of the center being established on the initiative and under the vision of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. He also highlighted the ongoing collaborative projects with local and international scholars aimed at enriching the center's content, as well as the planned grand opening ceremony on the eve of Independence Day.

 

The discussion included the significance of this important event, the interest shown by international organizations, foreign embassies in Uzbekistan, and various scientific and educational institutions in participating in it.

 

It was also emphasized that cooperation could be established with institutions in Qatar specializing in the study of national heritage, particularly Qatar Museums, in organizing and conducting the event. These museums are recognized globally as major cultural centers that embody the rich history of Islamic civilization. The dialogue included a number of practical proposals from the Center to ensure the participation of these Qatari museums and cultural institutions in the upcoming events.

 

In addition, the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan proposed holding a conference aimed at providing information about the activities and focus areas of international research institutions such as the Imam Bukhari, Imam Maturidi, and Imam Termizi scientific centers.

 

 

– I would like to particularly highlight the bold reforms being carried out under the leadership of His Excellency President Shavkat Mirziyoyev across all sectors. Significant progress is being made in foreign policy, the economy, culture, the fight against corruption, and especially in the preservation of the nation’s rich historical and cultural heritage. On March 14 of this year, I attended an event organized for representatives of foreign embassies and international organizations, and witnessed firsthand the practical outcomes of these reforms through the example of the center. I sincerely hope that distinguished guests from Qatar will attend the official opening ceremony of the center. The State of Qatar pays great attention to preserving and promoting Islamic cultural heritage and monuments. Museums and libraries in our country house historical artifacts and exhibits related to Central Asia, especially Uzbekistan. In this regard, I would like to particularly mention the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha. The Intercultural Committee in Qatar has expressed its interest in establishing cooperation with the Center of Islamic Civilization. Moreover, the center is doing significant work to highlight the contributions of scholars who played a role in the emergence and development of Islam. As a result, many Qatari scholars are showing great interest in the center’s activities.

 

– We sincerely thank you for supporting the reforms being implemented under the leadership of our President in the fields of science and education, said the center’s director, Firdavs Abdukhalikov, during the meeting. Before the official opening ceremony of the center, an international global exhibition will be organized. More than 40 foreign museums will present their collections related to Uzbekistan. We would like to invite museums in Qatar to also participate in this exhibition.

The ambassador warmly welcomed this proposal and expressed his readiness to actively contribute to the development of bilateral scientific and cultural cooperation.

 

 

The Embassy of Qatar presented a selection of books as gifts to the Center. In return, the guests were presented with a facsimile copy of the Katta Langar Qur’an by the Center. This gift made a deep impression on the Qatari Ambassador.

 

“There is immense spiritual wealth in Uzbekistan. We were familiar with the Uthman Mus’haf, but today I learned about the Katta Langar Qur’an,” said Ambassador Hasan bin Hamza Hashim. “Additionally, a 52-volume collection published by the World Society for the Study, Preservation, and Popularization of Uzbekistan’s Cultural Heritage had previously been presented to us. I have never seen another publication like it. The attention your country pays to historical artifacts—an inseparable and essential part of its national heritage—even though many of them are scattered across the world, demonstrates that you are a true custodian of historical culture, and this inspires admiration from across the globe”.

 

At the end of the meeting, the Ambassador announced that a high-level delegation from Qatar is expected to attend the official opening ceremony of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan. He emphasized that the leadership of Qatar has shown great interest in this significant mega-project being implemented in Uzbekistan.

 

Concluding the visit, Mr. Hasan bin Hamza Hashim also familiarized himself with the ongoing academic and educational activities at the center.