As part of the “Enlightenment Caravan”, a scientific-practical seminar of the country’s scholars was held

At the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, within the framework of the nationwide “Enlightenment Caravan” scientific-educational campaign held under the theme “Civilization, Culture, and Enlightenment”, a national scientific-practical seminar was organized in cooperation with the Republican Center for Spirituality and Enlightenment, with the participation of Uzbek scholars.

The purpose of the seminar was to gather the opinions and suggestions of national scholars to enrich the exhibitions of the Center of Islamic Civilization being established under the vision and initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev and to accelerate related activities. During the seminar, discussions and debates were held on over 800 scientific and innovative projects within the framework of five main sections based on the “Civilizations Individuals Discoveries” concept, including “The Pre-Islamic Period,” “The Holy Qur’an Hall,” “The First Renaissance,” “The Second Renaissance,” and “New Uzbekistan – The Foundation of the New Renaissance,” along with nine thematic directions.

At the beginning of the event, Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Head of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, reflected on the first-ever Scholars’ Forum held in our country last year:

“At last year’s Scholars’ Forum, we addressed an appeal to our esteemed President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. In that appeal, we scholars pledged to work with dedication on the creation of the unparalleled megaproject in the region the Center of Islamic Civilization based on great ideas, and to enrich it with meaningful content. Today, these efforts are being implemented step by step. Just last year, prestigious events were held, including an international scientific congress that brought together over 400 prominent scholars from nearly 40 countries. They actively contributed with their knowledge and expertise. During this process, a Scientific Council was established under the Center. As a result of the meetings organized within the Council, active work is underway to further enrich the content of the Center”.

Otabek Hasanov, Director of the Republican Center for Spirituality and Enlightenment, emphasized that the “Enlightenment Caravan” project aims to unite scholars working across the entire country:

“The “Enlightenment Caravan” project is intended to bring together scholars who are active throughout the republic. More than one thousand scholars and nearly two thousand researchers have actively participated in the events organized under this initiative. For example, during a meeting held in Andijan, we presented the section on the Baburids. During this event, around 50 innovative and scientific proposals were submitted. Notably, for the first time within the framework of the ‘Enlightenment Caravan,’ we witnessed the emergence of real, practical proposals from initiators. From now on, we plan to launch grant programs aimed at improving the activities of libraries and supporting scientific research”.

Sheikh Abdulaziz Mansur, Senior Researcher at the Center of Islamic Civilization, shared his thoughts on the most important part of the Center’s exhibition the Holy Qur’an Hall:

“One of the main sections of the Center of Islamic Civilization is the Holy Qur’an Hall, which will house 114 Qur’anic manuscripts. This number was chosen deliberately, as it corresponds to the number of surahs in the Qur’an. These manuscripts are rare sources hand-copied by our great ancestors, most of which date back to periods when printing technologies were unavailable. At that time, the transcription, dissemination, and preservation of the Qur’an were carried out through such handwritten copies. Today, Uzbekistan holds a special place in the Islamic world, primarily due to the scholarly legacy of our great scholars and hadith narrators such as Imam Bukhari, Imam Tirmidhi, Imam Maturidi, and Qaffal Shashi. The main concept of the Qur’an Hall is to present to the public the historical journey of Islam in our land, from its initial arrival to the present day”.

Jannat Ismoilova, Director of the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan, Doctor of Historical Sciences and Professor, spoke about the significance of the Center of Islamic Civilization:

“The Center of Islamic Civilization, which is expected to open soon, will hold great importance not only for the Uzbek people but for the entire Islamic world—especially for the younger generation. This institution will serve not only to preserve our historical heritage but also to study it in depth and present it to both our people and the global community. The opening of the Center is planned in connection with the 34th anniversary of our country’s independence. Currently, intensive work is underway at the Center. Exhibits, including historical artifacts and items, are being collected not only from existing collections but also through international auctions and private collections abroad. This process requires time, research, and negotiation. Significant efforts are being made to recover a portion of our invaluable historical treasures that were taken abroad. This is not merely the preparation of a typical exhibition. Each artifact is being thoroughly studied in terms of its scientific explanation and its connection to historical periods and cultural contexts. Through this Center, we aim to present our history in a truthful, deep, and well-founded manner. That is why hundreds of scholars, restorers, designers, and experts are working together. Additionally, the ongoing seminars are a vital part of this collective effort. Through these seminars, the various departments of the Center are sharing experiences and receiving scientific and methodological guidance to enrich the content of the exhibitions”.

Umida Teshaboyeva, Director of the National Library of Uzbekistan, presented updates on the library being established within the megaproject:

“Currently, active work is underway on library-related initiatives. In particular, 80 books in Braille are already being published for visually impaired libraries. The goal is to meet the information needs of visually impaired users, thereby expanding their opportunities for active participation in society and access to education. The library being established within the Center constructed under the initiative of our President is considered one of the largest and most comprehensive spiritual and educational projects in our country. It is envisioned that this library will become a modern information hub possessing the richest collection of scientific and religious sources not only in Uzbekistan but across Central Asia. Its collection will include rare manuscripts, valuable works, and digitized sources related to Islamic science, history, philosophy, and art. Moreover, the library will be equipped with modern technologies, offering users online services, access to a digital library, and favorable conditions for scientific research. Especially for young researchers and students, this center of knowledge will serve as an essential resource”.

During his visit to the Center on January 29 of this year, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan reviewed not only the ongoing construction works but also the scientific-creative and scientific-innovative projects, issuing a series of directives regarding future tasks. In particular, the Head of State emphasized that the internal content of the Center must be no less impressive than the grandeur of the building’s exterior, and within this framework, proposed several key initiatives.

To ensure the implementation of these directives, more than 300 meetings of working groups supporting and coordinating the activities of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan were held, along with 18 discussion sessions of the Scientific Council. The technical assignments of these large-scale scientific and innovative projects which have brought together over 2,000 local and international scholars, artists, designers, craftsmen, and various other specialists around a shared goal were thoroughly reviewed.

The purpose of organizing the national scientific-practical seminar of Uzbek scholars is to further accelerate the implementation of the goals and tasks set for improving the activities of the Center, to consider the opinions and suggestions of national scholars regarding the museum exhibitions of the Center, and to ensure their incorporation into the displays.

Initiated by our Head of State, this unprecedented and monumental megaproject in our history is aimed at promoting our rich spiritual heritage. The Center holds great importance in preserving and enriching the history and culture of our nation, as well as its intellectual and spiritual potential. Based on this foundation, it seeks to educate the younger generation in the spirit of national and universal values, contributing to the material and spiritual development of society.