Nearly 30 issues were discussed at the Scientific Council of the Center of Islamic Civilization

 

At the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, a joint meeting of the Scientific Council and the Working Group including its subcommittees was held to discuss the formation of the museum exhibition, the development of the library collection, and preparations for the official inauguration ceremony at the highest level. Members of the working group and international partners participated in the meeting.

 

During the joint session, the following topics were discussed:

 

The official opening of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan;

 

Organization of the global exhibition titled “Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan – Property of All Humanity”;

 

Preparations for the 9th International Congress themed “The Legacy of the Great Past – the Foundation of an Enlightened Future”;

 

Hosting an international conference in cooperation with ICESCO (Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization);

 

Launch of the children’s exhibition “1001 Discoveries”;

 

Presentation of the publishing projects “114 Qur’ans” and “Cartography of Uzbekistan”;

 

Discussions on digital and multimedia projects such as the portals “Living History,” “Library,” and “Panorama of Historical Figures,” as well as the production of films and documentaries about Imam Bukhari.

 

 

At the beginning of the event, the Director of the Center, Firdavs Abdukhalikov, delivered remarks on the extensive efforts carried out for the construction and development of the Center, highlighting key initiatives undertaken under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev:

 

Preparations for the opening of the Center are progressing rapidly. Based on the directives and recommendations of our President, the concept of the Center has been updated and international best practices have been studied.

 

Recently, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan adopted a new resolution aimed at accelerating the development of the museum exhibition and library at the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, organizing its official opening at the highest level, and ensuring the successful execution of the global exhibition “Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan – Property of All Humanity” and the 9th International Congress “The Legacy of Great Ancestors – the Foundation of an Enlightened Future,” along with associated national and international events.

 

This resolution outlines tasks related to coordinating the Center’s activities, conducting international visits, organizing the official opening, and managing the preparations for major upcoming events. All these tasks have been coordinated in an organized manner, and the joint meeting was held for this purpose. The Center is scheduled to become fully operational this year.

 

Additionally, the Director of the Center announced that during a scientific visit to the United Kingdom in April–May of this year, 46 cultural artifacts related to Uzbekistan’s heritage were selected from the auctions of the international auction houses “Christie’s” and “Sotheby’s”. He also noted that, in cooperation with British collectors, over 200 more artifacts connected to Uzbekistan have been identified.

 

Uzbekistan to host its first-ever Charity auction

 

During the meeting, special emphasis was placed on enriching the country’s cultural heritage through historical and cultural artifacts and rare sources offered by the world-renowned auction houses “Christie’s” and “Sotheby’s”.

 

For the first time in Central Asia, a charity auction based on global experience is expected to be held. The main goal of the auction is to enrich the national museum collection particularly the exhibitions of the Center of Islamic Civilization by presenting unique works offered by leading international auction houses like “Christie’s” and “Sotheby’s” to entrepreneurs in Uzbekistan.

 

According to Shavkat Sultanov, Director of the “Art Vernisaggi” auction house, the name of each donor who contributes an item purchased at the auction will be clearly indicated. All local and international entrepreneurs operating in Uzbekistan will have the opportunity to take part and leave their name and brand engraved in history. This, in turn, will help strengthen the positive image of the benefactor whether an individual or organization on the international stage.

 

 

“This is a common practice around the world. Major companies and billionaires purchase works of art for museums and donate them. We aim to follow the same path by developing the art market in Uzbekistan, preserving and promoting our national art,” said Shavkat Sultanov.

 

Around 200 works are expected to be presented at the auction. Not only local entrepreneurs but also representatives of foreign companies operating in Uzbekistan will be able to participate. There are no restrictions any individual interested in contributing to cultural heritage is welcome to take part in this charitable event.

 

Advance registration is required to participate in the event. A special online platform and Telegram bot will be created for this process. Registered participants will receive the auction catalog and an official invitation. The date, location, and terms of the event will be announced through mass media.

 

International congress and conference

 

Preparations were also announced for the 9th International Congress titled “The Legacy of the Great Past – the Foundation of an Enlightened Future”, which will take place as part of the opening ceremonies of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan and the Imam Bukhari Complex. Plans under discussion included the organization of the Congress, topics and projects to be addressed in plenary sessions and thematic panels, presentations of new scholarly findings, and the list of invited foreign and local guests. It was also noted that this year, volumes 81–90 of the traditional book-album series Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan in World Collections are expected to be launched as part of the Congress.

 

Another major event will be the international conference held in cooperation with ICESCO (Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), with updates provided on the ongoing preparations.

 

 

What will be located on the second floor?

 

During the joint meeting, a presentation was given on the second floor of the Center of Islamic Civilization building. The second floor is designed as a multifunctional space equipped with modern facilities. Firstly, it will house five conference halls both large and small for hosting various conferences, forums, and scholarly meetings. A dedicated area will also be allocated for the press service, where modern media platforms will be established to produce national content, conduct interviews, and create audiovisual projects.

 

In addition, the second floor will include fully equipped workspaces, service rooms, and research areas for the staff of the Center of Islamic Civilization.

 

A notable aspect is that, as emphasized during the visits of the President, special offices will be assigned to the Uzbekistan-based representative offices of prominent international organizations in order to expand global cooperation. These include ICESCO, UNESCO, TURKSOY, IRCICA, and the Manara Center, all of which are already actively collaborating with the Center of Islamic Civilization. These organizations are expected to continue long-term partnerships and engage in joint scientific and practical initiatives with the Center’s researchers.

 

The presence of international organizations’ offices on the second floor will undoubtedly contribute to enhancing scientific potential. These spaces will foster direct dialogue, collaborative research, and the development of new ideas and projects. In the near future, this process is set to become a key factor in shaping the intellectual and spiritual identity of New Uzbekistan. In this sense, the Center of Islamic Civilization is evolving into not only a national but also a global platform for spiritual and educational dialogue.

 

A dedicated publishing house and printing press to be established at the center

 

In addition, based on the special directives of the President, a new auxiliary building is planned to be constructed adjacent to the Center of Islamic Civilization. This building will house the Center’s publishing house and printing press. It will also include classrooms designed to provide professional development and facilitate academic research for students of the Academy of Islamic Studies and other higher education institutions.

 

International-level academic programs will be introduced in this new facility. Notably, plans are underway to establish a school in Uzbekistan specializing in calligraphy, in collaboration with the renowned international calligraphy school in London. This initiative aims to provide the younger generation with deep knowledge and advanced skills in the traditional art of calligraphy and to train highly qualified specialists. Both Uzbek and international masters will teach students, contributing to the revival and further development of the ancient art of calligraphy, which is currently at risk of fading into obscurity.

 

 

What to expect at the global exhibition?

 

One of the major highlights of the opening events of the complex will be the Global Exhibition, which will showcase historical artifacts. It is well known that rare artifacts related to the history, culture, and art of Uzbekistan are preserved in over 100 countries around the world. Currently, more than 150 libraries, museums, and centers holding such items have been identified. At the upcoming Global Exhibition, historical relics and objects directly linked to Uzbekistan and currently housed in international museums and libraries will be brought to our country and presented to the public, said Rustam Jabborov, the Scientific Secretary of the Center.

 

The exhibition will operate for several months, giving every citizen and foreign guest the opportunity to view these historical treasures in person. The display will consist of genuine, original artifacts examples of the tangible and spiritual heritage created by our ancestors over millennia and preserved to this day. This initiative will further highlight Uzbekistan’s significant place in Islamic civilization.

 

The Spiritual identity of New Uzbekistan

 

The Center of Islamic Civilization is truly a large-scale megaproject. Its structural design, content, conceptual framework, technical and spiritual dimensions, and preparations for its inauguration are among the most pressing topics of today. The official opening will become a grand celebration not only for the scientific and cultural community but for the entire nation. This is because the Center serves as a powerful representation of Uzbekistan’s invaluable contribution to Islamic civilization.

 

At the heart of this initiative is the museum exhibition, the main medium through which this vast heritage will be revealed. Through this exhibition, the public will gain access to the legacy of great thinkers, artists, and scholars who contributed to the advancement of Islamic culture. Their works and intellectual heritage will be prominently showcased, highlighting Uzbekistan’s pivotal role in the history of Islamic civilization.

 

 

The opening ceremony of the Center is an event of exceptional significance. Cultural, educational, and scientific centers of this scale are rare not only in Central Asia but across the entire Eurasian region. The fact that such a center has been established in the city of Tashkent is a great honor and responsibility for Uzbekistan. The opening is expected to be attended by international guests, representatives of prestigious organizations, and renowned scholars. The 9th International Congress to be held as part of the opening ceremony is also of particular importance. This congress will serve as a solid platform for intellectual exchange, new approaches, scientific cooperation, and partnerships between leading scholars from abroad, researchers from Uzbekistan, and various academic institutions, said Academician Kamola Akilova.

 

Not only of scientific value, but a path to national identity

 

Publications being prepared in honor of the Center’s opening are also of great importance. For example, a book dedicated to miniatures depicting the image of Amir Temur, as well as the works of the renowned archaeologist and historian Masson, carry not only scholarly value but also play a significant role in understanding and promoting national identity. Each publication, with its unique relevance and thematic depth, contributes to shaping the spiritual image of the Center.

 

In addition, presentation was made of the publishing projects “114 Qur’ans” and “Cartography of Uzbekistan”. Multimedia and digital projects were also reviewed, including the portals “Living History”, “Library”, and “Panorama of Historical Figures”; a documentary film scheduled to air on the “Russia-Culture” TV channel; 30 video clips produced by “SPECTRE STUDIO”; as well as films and chronicle documentaries about Imam Bukhari.

 

Highlighted focus area

 

The meeting also addressed the museum’s operations, scientific research, exhibitions, and various curatorial directions particularly matters related to the Qur’an Hall. This hall will feature Qur’anic manuscripts from different historical periods that were written and preserved in the territory of Uzbekistan.

 

According to Azimjon Gofurov, senior researcher at the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan and curator of the Qur’an Hall exhibition, this space will allow both the public and visiting guests to witness firsthand the Islamic heritage and its historical richness.

 

 

Participation of International Partners

 

During the meeting, in addition to presentations of the Center’s scientific and innovative exhibition projects and ongoing work, online discussions were held with international partners alongside local specialists. In particular, Salim Ahmad, head of the UK-based company 1001 Inventions, shared insights on the scientific and innovative approaches being incorporated into the project to organize a children’s and youth exhibition.

“We are honored that our company is contributing to enriching the exhibition at the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan and that we have the opportunity to create a dedicated children’s and youth exhibition within this grand complex. Whenever we organize such exhibitions around the world, we also publish a dedicated book that contains information about the exhibition and the personalities featured in it. We collaborate with National Geographic, which ensures the global distribution of the published book. So far, similar books we’ve produced for children and youth have been distributed in over 3 million copies worldwide.

 

We are currently working on a publication that will help the entire world learn about the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan. The children’s and youth book we are preparing about the Center is intended to be of the same caliber”, said Salim Ahmad.

 

During the online session, Victoria Petrosyans from Rome, Italy, representing V&So Company, noted that they have been collaborating with the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan for several years. She emphasized that the Center is not only a key institution in the region but also holds global significance in the study of Islamic culture and civilization. She further stated that their partnership with the Center is ongoing and that they plan to produce short videos and films in the future about the history of Islamic civilization in Uzbekistan and the lives and works of many great scholars who lived on this land.

 

The meeting also addressed strategies for promoting these prestigious events to a wider audience, including cooperation with mass media, both local and international. Details were provided about the creation of multimedia content and information campaigns dedicated to the Center’s opening.

 

Evgenia Harrison, head of the Belgrave company in the United Kingdom, stated that the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan is of tremendous importance and is a project worthy of international attention. She expressed her intent to collaborate with several foreign organizations to bring international media to Uzbekistan and contribute to informing the global community about the developments taking place there.