Salim ibn Muhammad Al-Malik: “I witnessed the highest regard for Islamic culture and civilization in Uzbekistan”

A delegation led by Salim bin Muhammad Al-Malik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization – ICESCO, visited the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan.

The guests first became acquainted with the construction process of the Center of Islamic Civilization, which is being established at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The head of the Center, Firdavs Abdukhalikov, provided the guests with detailed information about the institution’s history, activities, and future objectives.

During the visit, the guests were also introduced to the spaces allocated on the second floor of the Center for international organizations, including the special office designated for ICESCO, which was allocated at the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

“I had heard about the construction of this center, but I did not imagine it would be this magnificent. I thought it might be an ordinary building project. But I saw that a very large-scale effort is being carried out. I was truly amazed and pleased to see that the leadership of Uzbekistan is giving such high-level state attention to the study of cultural heritage and Islamic civilization. I am convinced that great practical work is being done under the initiative of your President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. I have been to many countries around the world, but I have seen such high regard of Islamic culture and civilization in Uzbekistan,” said Salim bin Muhammad Al-Malik.

The distinguished guest expressed his sincere gratitude to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev for the office and conditions provided for the ICESCO organization at the Center, and expressed his support for future initiatives to conduct scientific research in science, culture, and other fields, as well as to organize large forums and symposiums for specialists from ICESCO member states at the Center of Islamic Civilization.

After closely observing the ongoing construction works at the Center’s building, the parties discussed future joint activities to be implemented through bilateral cooperation. In particular, the Director of the Center informed that, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, preparations are underway to organize an international global exhibition under the theme “Uzbekistan’s Cultural Heritage – the Property of All Humanity.” It was noted that President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s initiative has already garnered support from museums, libraries, and private collections in 12 foreign countries — including Malaysia, Japan, Pakistan, India, Kuwait, the UAE, Russia, Azerbaijan, Italy, and Germany — and agreements have been reached for their participation in the upcoming global international exhibition to be held at the Center.

Mr. Salim Al-Malik, in turn, expressed his readiness to provide practical assistance in organizing a special exhibition of historical artifacts and valuable manuscripts related to Uzbekistan and preserved in ICESCO member states. He also reaffirmed his full support for this noble initiative of the President of Uzbekistan.

During the meeting, the ICESCO Director-General also highlighted the ongoing preparations for the upcoming international conference in Uzbekistan dedicated to the life and legacy of the great hadith scholar, Imam al-Bukhari. In response, the Director of the Center emphasized the significance of the conference and expressed readiness to collaborate in its organization.

Salim Al-Malik stated that the doors of ICESCO are always open to the scholars and researchers of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan. Other issues related to enhancing cooperation between the two major institutions were also discussed during the meeting.

The Director of the Center also acquainted the distinguished guest with the efforts carried out under the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to study, research, and explore cultural heritage. In particular, he provided information about several ongoing projects, including the preparation of facsimile editions of rare manuscripts and publishing initiatives. He noted that within the framework of these projects, the scattered manuscripts of the Katta Langar Qur’an — considered one of the oldest surviving copies in the world — were thoroughly studied, and the pages preserved in Uzbekistan and Russia were compiled and published in a single volume.

During the conversation, the Director of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, Firdavs Abdukhalikov, presented a facsimile edition of the Katta Langar Qur’an to the ICESCO Director-General.

“I am truly pleased by the attention given to science, enlightenment, cultural heritage, and the values of Islam under the leadership of your President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. I have realized that the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan is a clear proof and shining example of this commitment. I have received many gifts from heads of state and government leaders in numerous countries around the world, but the facsimile edition of the Katta Langar Qur’an is the most precious gift I have ever received in my life,” said Salim Al-Malik.