From manuscripts to catalogs: more than 30 Books planned for publication at the Center of Islamic Civilization

Enriching the museum exhibition of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, building its library collection, and publishing books in the field of religious and educational studies are among the Center’s main priorities. For this purpose, nearly 30 books have been prepared for publication. This was announced at a discussion meeting on publishing activities held at the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan. It was noted that the upcoming publications should serve as an important approach demonstrating the richness of the Center’s unique spiritual sources.

 

 

At the meeting, the list of books scheduled for publication this year was approved. Among them:

 

“Enlightenment and religious tolerance – the spiritual power of New Uzbekistan”, a two-volume illustrated collection of booklets to be published in Uzbek, Arabic, and English, reflecting recent spiritual and educational reforms and their high international recognition.

 

“President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s Policy of Religious Enlightenment and Tolerance”, highlighting the tolerant policies pursued by the head of state and their global significance.

 

“The katta langar Qur’an: history and truth”, which presents scholarly information on one of the unique Qur’anic manuscripts preserved in Uzbekistan.

 

It was announced that nearly 30 books had already been prepared for publication. Responsible persons were appointed for each publication, with deadlines and quality requirements established.

 

In addition, discussions were held on the scholarly reworking and preparation for publication of 21 works highlighting the humane and peace-loving nature of Islam.

 

During the meeting, the Center’s director, Firdavs Abdukhalikov, spoke about the copies of the ‘Uthman Qur’an preserved in Turkey’s Topkapi Palace and their similarities to the rare manuscript in Tashkent. He also proposed the publication of a book titled “The history of the ‘Uthman Qur’an”, with a facsimile edition of the Qur’an to be included.

 

“The visitors to the Center need such fundamental works to form a clear and well-founded understanding of the Hazrat ‘Uthman Qur’an, which is the most important artifact of our Center”, the Director noted while emphasizing the importance of the project.

 

Additionally, proposals were made to create a catalog-album of “100 most ancient manuscripts” and historical maps.

 

Rustam Jabborov, the Center’s academic secretary, provided information on several forthcoming books, including:

 

“Rare Qur’anic Manuscripts of Uzbekistan”

“114 Rare Qur’ans of the World”

“Civilizations of the Pre-Islamic Era”

“The First and Second Renaissances”

“Uzbekistan in the 20th Century”

“100 Rare Manuscripts of Uzbekistan”

“The Collection of the Center’s Library”

 

It should be noted that “Rare Qur’anic Manuscripts of Uzbekistan” will include information on more than 200 Qur’anic manuscripts identified during an expedition conducted in 2023.

 

The book “114 Rare Qur’ans of the World” will feature manuscripts preserved in foreign collections that are linked to Uzbekistan, with the participation of international scholars in the project.

 

At the discussion meeting chaired by the Director, another major project received special attention. According to information presented by Doctor of Philosophy in History Ravshan Khudoyberganov, out of nearly 5,000 books donated by entrepreneur Alisher Usmanov, 80 rare works were selected. Their bibliographic details will be compiled into a catalog-album in three languages Uzbek, Russian, and English. These works will reflect the heritage of our ancestors, their role in European science, and the influence of Islamic civilization in the West.

 

Among the selected works is an incunabulum (early printed book) published between 1450 and 1501 the earliest examples of European printing. One such book, authored by the Balkh-born astrologer Ja’far ibn Muhammad al-Balkhi and printed in Latin in 1488, is considered the crown jewel of the Center’s collection.

 

At the meeting led by director Firdavs Abdukhalikov, a number of important decisions were adopted regarding publishing activities. This discussion became the next step in enhancing the academic and educational potential of the Center of Islamic Civilization and in conveying our ancient heritage to the wider public.