Manuscripts, Robes, and Shashmaqom: Exhibitions Expanding at the Center of Islamic Civilization

🔴 Astonishment in the Exhibition: The Umar Aqto Qur’an, Hermitage Replicas, and London Carpets

🔴 See, Hear, and Feel the Past: 3D History in the Exhibition

A new scholarly and creative discussion session was held at the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan to further enrich the museum’s core exhibitions, refine scientific concepts, and coordinate practical plans. The meeting brought together the Center’s leadership, key staff members, members of the Scientific Council, and leading scholars in the field.

Several important issues were addressed during the session. Notably, it was announced that one of the most renowned manuscript copies of the Holy Qur’an — a rare version transcribed by Umar Aqto — is being brought to the Center’s library. Recommendations were made regarding the proper conditions for its special display.

Additionally, scholarly conclusions confirming that the “Ulughtogh Bitigi” dates back to the era of Amir Temur were discussed. An agreement was reached to produce a replica of the original manuscript, which is preserved at the Hermitage Museum, and to include it in the exhibition. This visual component will help convey historical reality in a tangible form.

For the section of the museum dedicated to the period of Uzbek Khanates, plans include displaying embroidered robe replicas from the Bukhara and Kokand Khanates, as well as traditional Khiva carpets. Moreover, the possibility of acquiring rare Khivan carpets through London auctions was also explored.

To reflect Uzbekistan’s rich musical heritage, a proposal was put forward to present the six principal melodies of “Shashmaqom” in a multimedia format — allowing visitors to listen, watch, and feel the performance. This initiative aims to convey the nation’s musical civilization to the broader public through the use of modern technology.

According to Khurshid Fayziyev, Director of the State Museum of the History of the Timurids, the Ulughtogh Bitigi is considered a significant artifact from the era of Amir Temur.

– Currently, this artifact is preserved at the State Hermitage Museum in Russia. Acquiring a replica of it directly from the Hermitage is crucial. Such a large-scale stone reproduction does not yet exist in any museum in Uzbekistan. Crafting a replica requires a detailed study of every element engraved in the stone. The Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan has taken on this great responsibility and has already launched practical efforts in this direction, – said Fayziyev.

The meeting also included a dedicated discussion on the concept of the Center’s library. Tasks were outlined to compile a list of manuscripts and printed works and to prepare a budget plan based on approval from the Scientific Council. It was further proposed that the library be located at the end of the “Wall of Time” and be designed in the style of the Timurid library concept.

Clear solutions were also defined for updating the media content displayed in the exhibitions — including videos, infographics, audio, and other elements — ensuring they align with thematic sections and are implemented using modern technologies.

At the conclusion of the meeting, it was noted that a final document would be prepared based on all suggestions and proposals, and that the respective scientific and practical working groups would implement these plans step by step.

Information service of the Center of Islamic Civilization