Unique content will be featured in the museum exhibition

 

The International School of Calligraphy, the Imam Bukhari Innovation Museum, ancient manuscripts, paintings, 3D visual content, documentary films, book-albums, and scholarly catalogues… The museum exhibition of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan built on the initiative and vision of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and now in its final stage of construction is being enriched with unique content that blends historical heritage, scientific potential, and modern innovations. Nevertheless, there still remain tasks to be completed, issues awaiting solutions, and many ongoing initiatives.

 

At present, the practical work in the museum has reached an intensive phase. Such large-scale reforms are being systematically discussed and implemented through the expanded Scientific Council meetings regularly held at the Center of Islamic Civilization.

 

At the latest meeting of the Council, the director of the Center, Firdavs Abdukhalikov, spoke about the important ideas voiced by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during his visit to the Center on January 29, 2025, particularly regarding the preservation and development of calligraphy.

 

“During his visit to the Center in January this year, our President emphasized that calligraphy traditions are disappearing, and that they must be revived and passed on to future generations. This school is being established based on that historic initiative. In response to the President’s directives to preserve the art of calligraphy, develop it on a scholarly basis, and transmit it to the youth, the establishment of the International School of Calligraphy has now been implemented by 80 percent,” said the director of the Center.

 

The international school of calligraphy – revival of tradition

 

One of the first issues on the agenda of the Council meeting was the International School of Calligraphy, being established on the initiative of the President. This school is expected not only to revive calligraphy traditions in our country but also to promote them internationally and transmit them to future generations. As noted by the Chair of the Council, the school under the Center of Islamic Civilization will serve as an integral link in restoring national identity, fostering spiritual revival, and engaging in global dialogue with a new image.

 

At the meeting, Azimjon G‘afurov, a researcher at the Center, presented information on the objectives and areas of activity of the school. According to him, the International School of Calligraphy is being established in a separate building adjacent to the Center. Citizens from the age of 6 to 70 will have the opportunity to learn the secrets of traditional calligraphy styles such as thuluth, naskh, nastaliq, ruq‘ah, diwani, and kufic.

 

The school will cover education, exhibitions, manuscript copying, restoration, bookbinding, academic research, and tourism. Currently, renowned calligraphers such as Shaykh Abdulaziz Mansur, Habibulloh Solih, and Abdurazzoq Domla, together with young specialists, are preparing the school’s charter, methodological manuals, and textbooks.

 

The Council also discussed several major projects and initiatives planned within the framework of the International School of Calligraphy:

 

1. Establishing an International Association of Calligraphers, attracting the world’s most distinguished calligraphers;
2. Holding an international Qur’an Calligraphers Competition, and assigning the winners 114 calligraphers to copy the Qur’an of New Uzbekistan;
3. Producing a complete copy of the Qur’an in the script Nasx-i Bukhari, invented by Mir Ubayd Bukhari;
4. Reconstructing the missing pages of the Mushaf of Caliph Uthman and preparing a complete replica;
5. Creating a Calligraphy Library to collect ancient manuals, treatises, and methodological guides.

 

All proposals were unanimously approved. Only Shaykh Abdulaziz Mansur emphasized the lack of national ornamentation in the design of the books.

 

The meeting also discussed the infrastructure being prepared on the third floor of the International School of Calligraphy building for the United Kingdom’s King’s Foundation. This organization specializes in pottery and works in harmony with the art of calligraphy. It was noted at the Council meeting that the placement of two traditional schools within one building will create a space for mutually enriching cultural and practical experiences.

 

The Imam Bukhari innovation museum – emphasis on content

 

At the next expanded Scientific Council meeting held at the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, the agenda also included issues related to the Imam Bukhari Innovation Museum being established in Samarkand, documentary film projects, and the publication of book-albums with their content and conceptual depth.

 

The meeting reviewed the work being carried out to present the life and scholarly heritage of the great muhaddith in this educational complex. Cooperation has been established with Turkey’s Outdoor Factory company for this project. However, the company’s representatives failed to deliver the expected presentation on design works, for which they were criticized by specialists, and it was decided that the project would be reconsidered.

 

An online presentation of the museum’s concept was given by Shovosil Ziyodov, Director of the Imam Bukhari International Research Center. He introduced the content of the exhibition, which would reveal the historical significance and spiritual essence of the museum from the Cave of Hira to Imam Bukhari’s journey map. Although the Council members approved the presentation, they also offered a number of constructive suggestions. The working group was tasked with finalizing the exact list and placement of the muhaddith’s books to be displayed in the museum.

 

Academician Akbar Hakimov emphasized that the general idea of the museum must fully reflect the great muhaddith’s contribution to the development of Islam. Shaykh Abdulaziz Mansur stressed the need to revise the commentary provided on historical sources. The Chair of the Council noted that the museum exhibition should begin with the reflections of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev about Imam Bukhari.

 

Furthermore, the Chair suggested that in order to further enhance the content of the museum, it would be appropriate to involve experts from international organizations such as ICESCO and IRCICA, and to study their opinions. This proposal was unanimously approved and welcomed by the Council members.

 

Documentary films – visual representation of a major initiative

The meeting also discussed the subject of documentary films being produced about the President’s initiative, the reforms in the religious and educational sphere, and the foundation of the Center of Islamic Civilization. The concepts of projects being developed with the Russian film companies Masterskaya and Divi were presented to the Council members. The Council approved the film concepts, and the partner film companies announced that filming would begin soon.

 

It was reported that a total of 20 documentary films are planned to be produced. The first of them are currently being prepared by these two companies. In addition, it was noted that negotiations are also being conducted for cooperation with international companies such as Turkey’s TRT AVAZ.

 

10 new book-albums and 7 gift editions in preparation

 

At the Council meeting, information was also provided regarding the series of book-albums to be published based on the Center’s exhibitions. According to the Center’s Scientific Secretary, Rustam Jabborov, within the framework of the project “The Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan in World Collections”, 10 new book-albums and 7 gift editions are being prepared. They will cover the following topics:

 

• Rare Qur’anic Manuscripts of Uzbekistan
• 114 Rare Qur’ans of the World
• Pre-Islamic Civilizations
• The First Renaissance
• Uzbekistan in the 20th Century
• 100 Rare Manuscripts of Uzbekistan
• The Library Collection of the Center

 

The Chair and members of the Council made proposals for properly distributing the themes of these books. For example, since it would be difficult to cover both the Second Renaissance and the Uzbek Khanates in a single volume, it was deemed appropriate to prepare them separately. It was also noted that the design and publication work has been assigned to the Grand PR company.

 

Expanding access to books in mosques

 

The Head of Department, Shoazim Minavarov, reported on the preparations and results of the Center’s publishing activities. It was emphasized that at the core of all these efforts lie the ideas and initiatives of the President. On the occasion of the construction and opening of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan and the Imam Bukhari Complex, four special books are being prepared: two dedicated to recognizing the President’s achievements in the scholarly-educational field, and two in the form of book-albums.

 

According to the Council, a total of 45 titles have been mandated for publication by a Cabinet of Ministers’ Resolution. At present, 20 of them have already been submitted to publishers. Among these are a book-album on the history of the Imam Bukhari Complex, as well as a new edition of Imam Bukhari’s “Al-Adab al-Mufrad”. These publications will be issued based on expert reviews from the Committee on Religious Affairs.

 

Council members stressed the importance of making the design of the books attractive. A new decision was also adopted regarding their print runs. The Chair stated that while the original plan was for 1,000 copies, another 1,000 should also be printed.

 

“During his visit to the Imam Bukhari Complex, our President noted that in Medina’s great mosques books are available for people to read with great interest. He asked why such books were not placed in our mosques as well. From this perspective, the proposal is that the books being published should not only be distributed to libraries but also to mosques. Thus, if 1,000 copies are printed, 300 should be given to libraries, and the rest distributed to major mosques. This would allow us to contribute to the President’s initiatives in the religious-educational sphere,” said the chair.

 

Council members welcomed this proposal. Umida Teshaboeva, director of the National Library of Uzbekistan, suggested that including QR codes in these books would make them even more accessible.

 

The case of Sahih al-Bukhari

 

Shaykh Abdulaziz Mansur made an important proposal regarding the forthcoming edition of Imam Bukhari’s “Sahih al-Bukhari”.

 

“This book was translated into Uzbek 50 years ago. Altogether, the collected works include about one million hadiths, while Sahih al-Bukhari contains 7,500 carefully selected and most reliable ones. However, even among these, there are hadiths with rulings that have been abrogated (nasikh and mansukh). Just as in the Qur’an, some earlier verses were later abrogated by subsequent ones. The same is true in Sahih al-Bukhari. My point is that if this book is to be republished, it is necessary to distinguish such hadiths clearly”.

 

It was clarified that the book initially planned by the Center would focus on Imam Bukhari’s life and the innovative museum dedicated to him. However, after the remarks of Shaykh Abdulaziz Mansur, the Council Chair proposed that Sahih al-Bukhari be fully republished with the recommended revisions.

A decision was made to establish a working group led by Shaykh Abdulaziz Mansur, to reconsider the editing process, and to prepare the text for publication as a separate project.

 

Ancient manuscripts and modern innovations

 

Among the major responsibilities assigned to the Center is the collection of manuscripts and other rare sources, their academic study, and their presentation to the public.

 

According to the Center’s Chief Researcher, Zohidulla Munavvarov, more than 2,000 rare works have so far been brought to the Center. Some of them were purchased from private collections, while others were donated. In particular, over 220 books were offered by Shaykh Abdulaziz Mansur, of which 120 are ancient manuscripts and 100 are rare lithographs. Munavvarov noted that the complexity of Arabic script and the diversity of calligraphic styles make this work even more challenging. In total, nearly 70 types of Arabic script exist, though the most commonly used in practice are around 7–10, including naskh, nasta‘liq, and rayhani. The majority of manuscripts are written in these scripts.

 

“One of the main problems faced by the Center’s activities is the difficulty in reading manuscripts written in various scripts. The number of qualified specialists in this field is very small. Yet the manuscripts requiring study are not in the thousands but in the tens of thousands. In cooperation with Russia’s Sberbank Technological Center, work is underway to create an AI-based software model capable of reading manuscript texts. Within this project, the first version of an artificial intelligence model capable of recognizing Arabic script and converting it into a readable modern form is being developed. At present, the model is based on naskh script, and initial tests show that it can read 11th–12th century manuscripts with about 80% accuracy. This is indeed a great scientific achievement. However, the responsibility for working on translations lies with experienced specialists, and all AI-read texts will be reviewed by scholars to assess their compliance with academic standards,” Munavvarov emphasized.

 

Nevertheless, Council members expressed differing opinions on this initiative. Professors such as Bahrom Abduhalimov and Dr. Dilnoza Jamolova stressed that the possibilities of artificial intelligence remain limited, noting that it cannot think like humans or perform complex analysis of scholarly language. Meanwhile, the Center’s director, Firdavs Abdukhalikov, expressed confidence in the project’s future, stating:

 

“As AI technologies continue to advance, within a few years these programs will justify the trust of the academic community”.

 

Special requirements for rare manuscripts

 

Another important issue discussed at the meeting was the list of manuscripts temporarily provided for the Center’s exhibition. This list, offered by the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, was reviewed by experts. The working groups and coordinators were instructed to select only the most necessary manuscripts for the exhibition and to determine their placement according to their historical period.

 

It was emphasized that the goal is not to bring in hundreds of manuscripts randomly by catalogue, but to select them purposefully, with clearly defined exhibition placement. Each project coordinator must justify the thematic relevance of the manuscripts to be displayed.

 

As a result, an agreement was reached that about 200 manuscripts provided by the Institute of Oriental Studies will be included for temporary display at the Center.

 

It was also noted that the Center plans to display around 3,000 exhibits in total. A significant portion will be selected from the Center’s own collection, while about 1,000 exhibits will be temporarily sourced from various museums and libraries across Uzbekistan.

 

 

In addition, as part of the international exhibition, unique artifacts from nearly 30 countries will be brought in and displayed in a special section of the Center. The Council noted that discussions are currently underway with foreign partners regarding guarantees and logistical issues for bringing these rare objects to Uzbekistan.

 

Conditions for creating more than 50 historical models

 

To further enrich the museum exhibition of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, work is being carried out in cooperation with a number of foreign and local companies to prepare models and replicas. To date, part of these models has been fully completed, while others are still in production.

 

At the Council meeting, a senior researcher of the Center reported that within the framework of the museum’s exhibition concept, a total of 59 models are planned, of which 23 will be in modern 3D format.

 

One significant aspect is that the local company Artefact is preparing more than 20 models as a donation for the Center’s exhibition. Council members welcomed this initiative and stressed the importance of promoting it more widely, encouraging other entrepreneurs to take part in such charitable efforts.

 

Following the presentation, the director of the Center, Firdavs Abdukhalikov, highlighted several important issues. He emphasized that if ready-made models already exist, they should be identified and, if suitable, purchased to match the museum exhibition. He also noted that a formal request should be submitted to the Board of Trustees, particularly for additional support in creating models for the section “New Uzbekistan – The Foundation of a New Renaissance”.

 

The discussion also centered on the issue of 3D models to be displayed via touch panels. However, the company responsible for this area failed to provide any substantial information to the Council, and their approach was rated as unsatisfactory.

 

Dr. Dilnoza Jamolova, deputy director of the Institute of History of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, remarked:

 

“As a final chance, the responsible company has been instructed to present its completed work and technical capabilities in the form of a presentation to the Center. The current implementation of the 3D concept, its ability to create realistic impressions, and the quality of the work must be thoroughly analyzed. If the results are unsatisfactory, the issue of terminating cooperation with this company will be considered”.

 

The Director of the Center further stressed that time constraints cannot be used as an excuse: each model and replica must be of high quality, academically grounded, and suitable for exhibition.

 

All proposed products in this area will be evaluated by the Scientific Council based on their quality, visual standards, and historical accuracy. This process ensures conceptual integrity of the exhibitions and an approach befitting the prestige of the Center.

 

Artistic works and visual projects for exhibitions

 

Council members were also presented with monumental paintings prepared by artists for the upper part of the “Civilizations and Discoveries” wall. The artistic and aesthetic value, historical accuracy, and contextual relevance of these works were discussed.

 

It was emphasized that exhibitions should not consist only of models, replicas, or historical artifacts artistic images reflecting the spirit of the era are also of great importance. For this reason, artistic portraits of great historical figures such as Amir Temur, Mirzo Ulughbek, and Shaybani Khan are being prepared for the Center of Islamic Civilization.

 

The works presented by the artists were analyzed by the Council members. Some paintings drew criticism for their lack of historical accuracy and contextual grounding. As a result, it was recommended that they be revised and further refined in line with historical sources.

 

Once the final recommendations are approved by the Scientific Council, these works will be exhibited as part of the museum’s visual art displays and supported in terms of project implementation.

 

A special working group was also established to oversee the acceptance of these miniatures prepared for the exhibition. A selection committee was proposed, and candidate names were announced. Council members approved this decision.

 

Review of artists’ works

 

At the meeting, a number of works by the team of artists led by Alisher Aliqulov were reviewed. Members of the Scientific Council raised objections regarding historical accuracy and contextual representation. In particular, Academician and art historian Akbar Hakimov criticized the portraits for lacking the proper spirit in their facial features, clothing, and imagery. As a result, although the overall concept of the paintings was approved, it was decided that they should be reworked in consideration of the feedback provided. Once the improved versions are endorsed by the Scientific Council, they will be permitted for display as works of visual art in the exhibition and, if necessary, supported for further development.

 

Active participation of citizens

 

The meeting also showcased ancient items, artifacts, manuscripts, lithographs, and historical documents brought by citizens for submission to the Center’s exhibition as heirlooms from their ancestors.

 

Among them was a unique artifact from the era of Bukhara Amir Abdulahad Khan II embroidered suzani coverings prepared for the Kaaba and the Rawda of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It was noted that the artifact, woven with gold and bronze threads, bore the inscription of Ayat al-Kursi.

 

Another exceptional exhibit was a 1742 manuscript copy of the Qur’an produced during the Mughal era in Pakistan. Every page of this sacred book is illuminated with gold, making it an outstanding example of the art and devotion of its time.

 

A special commission has been established at the Center to oversee the acceptance of such artifacts. The commission first conducts a preliminary inspection, after which the items are submitted to an evaluation committee. During this process, the age and historical significance of the objects are determined and appropriately assessed. Only then does the acquisition process for inclusion in the Center’s collection begin.

 

At the meeting, it was also decided that all such citizen-submitted exhibits would undergo special expert examination to verify their authenticity before being passed on to the evaluation committee.

 

The largest and most unique collection in Eurasia

 

One of the important joint initiatives currently underway with Russia’s Hermitage Museum is the restoration of a collection of pre-Islamic anthropo-zoomorphic sculptures.

 

According to Hermitage researcher Asan Torgoyev, this collection could become one of the largest and most unique in all of Eurasia. It includes amulets, pendants, earrings, anthropomorphic deities, mythological figures, and depictions of water nymphs from different historical periods.

 

These archaeological finds were discovered in Lower Khorezm, Samarkand, Sogd, Chach, and other regions. Notably, items from the Kirdoir culture in Karakalpakstan stand out for their historical and cultural value. For the first time, studies of this culture shed light on the history of the “Silver and Fur Road” in Eurasia and its connections with Ugrian culture.

 

Torgoyev emphasized that this collection is broader in scope than the well-known Kostalsky collection at the Hermitage and the findings from archaeologist Veselovsky’s excavations around Margilan. Some parts of this new collection are not even represented in the Hermitage or the State Historical Museum in Moscow.

 

More than 200 artifacts have been scientifically re-examined, revealing new insights into the lives, beliefs, and mythological worldview of ancient peoples. The collection is now regarded as a symbol of national historical memory, cultural identity, and scholarly pride.

 

In the future, this collection will be presented as a separate section in the Museum of the Center of Islamic Civilization. It is also planned to introduce it to the global academic community through scholarly catalogues and publications.

 

A film about the Imam Bukhari complex is in production

 

On the eve of the opening ceremony of the Imam Bukhari Scientific-Innovative Complex, the initial concept and script of a documentary film about the complex were presented. According to the film’s author, Bahodir Odilov, filming locations in Samarkand have already been inspected, and all necessary permits have been obtained. Currently, filming of the Tashkent scenes is about to begin. The project will also feature interviews with architects, historians, and other specialists.

 

The film will consist of three main sections:

 

• First Section – dedicated to Imam Bukhari’s life, childhood, scholarly legacy, and contributions. In this part, modern technologies, including artificial intelligence tools, are planned to be used.
• Second Section – covering developments in the complex’s territory between 1997 and 2017, including construction, the 1974 international conference, and initiatives carried out under presidential directives.
• Third Section – presenting the large-scale construction and educational activities carried out after 2017.

 

Although the film’s overall duration is set at 30 minutes, it may be extended depending on the volume of available material. Each section will be produced separately, striving for both content richness and visual excellence.

 

Members of the Scientific Council put forward several important suggestions regarding the film’s content. Professor Bakhtiyor Turaev (Doctor of Philosophy) emphasized focusing on Imam Bukhari’s ethics, exceptional memory, and encyclopedic scholarly talent across various fields. Professor Jannat Ismoilova (Doctor of History) recommended that the filmmakers visit the complex directly to experience its spirit, and proposed creating a special visual segment about the marble imported from India used in its construction. It was also stressed that every complex and museum has its own unique essence and mission, which should be clearly reflected in the film.

 

Taking into account all opinions and proposals expressed by the Scientific Council, the film’s concept was approved with the condition that a consultative group be formed and the existing shortcomings addressed.

 

 

The foundation of spiritual revival

 

At the conclusion of the meeting, it was noted that scholarly accuracy, historical grounding, technological innovation, and aesthetic quality must remain the guiding principles in shaping the Center’s exhibitions.

 

The general conclusion drawn from the discussions was that the construction of the Center of Islamic Civilization and the preservation and international promotion of Imam Bukhari’s legacy are a practical embodiment of the ideas and initiatives of the President. These comprehensive projects are designed to elevate the nation’s spiritual values and nurture in the younger generation a profound love for historical heritage.