The Second Renaissance: a place where civilizations, individuals, and discoveries harmonize

 

The latest working group discussion held at the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan led to serious debates among scientific consultants, technical specialists, scriptwriters, restorers, and visual designers. The meeting once again analyzed the content, technical provision, scientific approaches, and implementation of the projects for the “Second Renaissance Period” exhibition, which will be featured in the Center’s Museum.

 

During the meeting, the main thematic directions of the Center’s exhibition, its technical and technological aspects, multimedia presentation formats, as well as the concepts for short films and video clips were thoroughly discussed. It was specifically emphasized that the exhibition content should not be presented merely in a simplified manner but should be illuminated on a civilizational basis through individuals, intellectual thought, and discoveries.

 

A civilizational approach was established as the main criterion.

 

During the discussions, it was noted that the Center of Islamic Civilization should not be a mere collection of historical exhibitions, but rather a civilizational space reflecting the core of Uzbek thought, as well as its cultural and scientific identity. It was emphasized that each exhibition, each section, and each historical figure should convey the scientific, spiritual, and social consciousness of their respective eras.

 

In this regard, the content of the exhibitions is being developed based on the following conceptual principles:

 

Harmony of individuals and thought – The ideas, scientific heritage, and societal impact of historical figures are revealed through their activities.

The spirit of discoveries – Achievements in Qur’anic sciences, tafsir, hadith, fiqh, mathematics, astronomy, art, architecture, and medicine are presented not merely as historical artifacts but as the products of human intellect.

Continuity and consistency – The stages of civilizational development are presented in an interconnected manner within regional, contemporary, and global contexts.

 

 

Historical Figures – Symbols of Ideas and Values

 

During the meeting, it was specifically emphasized that each historical figure should be presented not merely as a participant in certain events but as a personality who shaped the intellectual spirit of their time.

Examples:

 

Amir Temur – not only as a commander but also as a patron of statehood, justice, order, and science;

Mirzo Ulughbek – not only as an astronomer but also as a pioneer of critical thinking and intellectual inquiry;

Alisher Navoi – not only as a poet but also as a thinker who advanced the ideas of language and social justice;

Female figures – not as mere elements of court culture, but as individuals who actively participated in science and education and directly contributed to the shaping of society.

 

Multimedia Tools and Technological Approaches at the Center of Discussions

 

The meeting also reviewed the technological tools being used in the exhibitions and their functional capabilities. Specifically:

 

Interactive panels will animate genealogies, maps, texts, and images;

Touchscreen vitrines will present rare manuscript copies along with their scholarly descriptions;

3D models will reconstruct observatories, mausoleums, and historical monuments;

Audio systems will provide visitors with narrated information about each section;

Giant screens will display short documentaries, dramatic scenes, and live footage.

 

Film Productions: A Tool for Bringing Historical Figures to Life

 

The meeting also discussed the concept of short films and video clips being developed within the Center. These productions aim to convey history not only through facts but also through emotion and storytelling.

Some of the planned historical scenes include:

 

“The Copying of the Qur’an by Umar Aqta”;

“The Last Observation at Ulughbek’s Observatory”;

“Behzad’s First Miniature”;

“A Scholarly Debate between Navoi and Jami.”

 

These scenes are expected to inspire historical awareness, civilizational memory, and cultural pride among young visitors and international guests of the Center.

 

Meeting Outcomes and Future Tasks

 

At the conclusion of the meeting, it was emphasized that the content for each sector and exhibition should be finalized and systematically substantiated based on existing scientific and historical sources, ensuring that knowledge, thought, spirituality, and modern exhibition aesthetics are harmoniously integrated within the exhibitions.

 

 

Additionally, issues such as enhancing the educational, didactic, and cultural significance of the exhibition sections, improving them in accordance with international standards, and implementing a multilingual information system for foreign visitors were placed on the agenda.

 

The Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan is not being created merely to preserve history but to understand it in the spirit of the times and to convey it to the minds of future generations. The ideas expressed and the decisions made during the meeting represent an important step toward transforming this center into a globally recognized symbol of the harmony of ideas, spirituality, and thought.

 

Center of Islamic Civilization Information Service