The Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan: Implementation of Innovative Projects Has Begun

A discussion meeting was held to analyze the implementation process of scientific and innovative projects developed for shaping the exhibition of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan.

Only a few months remain until the grand opening of this prestigious cultural and educational complex, initiated by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. In preparation for this ceremonial event, over 2,000 local and international scholars and experts are working with particular attention to the President’s key directive — ensuring that the internal content of this national megaproject matches the grandeur of its external appearance.

In pursuit of this strategic objective, more than 800 scientific and innovative projects have been developed by a collective of scholars and specialists to enrich the content of the Center. Approximately 300 of these projects are scheduled to be presented at the opening ceremony of the national megaproject in Uzbekistan, and work on them has entered an active phase.

As noted during the meeting, practical work has already begun on nearly 260 of the approximately 300 projects selected for the first phase to enhance the Center's exhibitions. Preparations are underway for the Qur’an Hall, which will be located at the core of the building, as well as for exhibitions on the civilizations, discoveries, and historical figures of the Pre-Islamic era, the First Renaissance, the Second Renaissance, and the New Uzbekistan period. These efforts are being carried out in collaboration with leading companies from countries such as Italy, Germany, France, Turkey, and Russia.

Nearly 300 projects included in the first phase have been divided into two categories, and currently, processes such as the creation of models, replicas, maps, facsimiles, and holograms are underway. All individuals involved — from team leaders to members, as well as scholars and specialists — have been engaged under contractual agreements.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the organization of the International Exhibition to be held as part of the opening ceremony. Negotiations are ongoing with nearly 40 foreign countries regarding participation in this exhibition. As a result of international cooperation efforts carried out with practical support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a proposed list of exhibits from 26 museums across 18 countries has been compiled. At present, team leaders and members are jointly analyzing the significance and relevance of the proposed artifacts.

Information was also shared about ongoing cooperation efforts with the world’s leading auction houses — Christie’s and Sotheby’s in London. It was noted that during the grand opening ceremony of the Center, these prestigious institutions are expected to present rare treasures related to Central Asian and Eastern culture and enlightenment.

As a reminder, in April, a delegation from the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, led by Director Firdavs Abdukhalikov, visited the Christie’s and Sotheby’s auction houses in London to discuss potential collaboration. During the visit, the delegation reviewed 46 lots related to the cultural heritage of Central Asia presented at the renowned auctions. Among them were handwritten copies of the Qur’an believed to have been transcribed during the Timurid era.