An extended meeting of the Scientific Council took place at the Center for Islamic Civilization

An extended meeting of the Scientific Council was held at the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, during which proposals were discussed to enrich the exhibition, created under the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, with substantive content, historical artifacts, facsimiles, models, and mock-ups. The meeting was dedicated to the scientific and innovative projects of the exhibition. The session took place in an atmosphere of lively debates, sharp critical comments, and analytical opinions.

 

 

An extended meeting of the Scientific Council was held at the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan.

 

At the beginning of the meeting, the Director of the Center and Chairman of the Scientific Council, Firdavs Abdukhаlikov, reported on the current processes, changes over the past month, and the work that has been completed.

As noted, on January 29 of this year, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the Center, reviewed the exhibitions, and gave important directives regarding the broad presentation of the contributions of our ancestors to world civilization, the education of youth in the spirit of loyalty to this great historical heritage, the conduct of scientific discussions and debates, and the promotion of relevant ideas and discoveries. He also emphasized the need to create all conditions for the development of new scientific content, as well as the enrichment and improvement of the significance of the exhibition, with a focus on content, historical artifacts, and models.

 

Members of the Academic Council

 

At the meeting of the Board of Trustees, held on March 11 with the participation of the Prime Minister, it was reported that over the past month, about 500 local scholars have been involved in fulfilling the set tasks. More than 800 projects have been developed for departments such as the "Quran Hall," "Civilizations before Islam," "First Renaissance," "Second Renaissance," "The Era of Uzbek Khanates," and the "New Uzbekistan - New Renaissance" department. To implement these projects, over 2,000 local and foreign scholars will work together. Currently, the first phase has begun, during which work is actively ongoing on more than 400 projects, with consultations from the members of the Scientific Council.

 

Discussion Process

 

An expanded meeting of the Scientific Council on 9 directions was held on March 12. In the last month, about 50 discussions were organized by nearly 40 small working groups across the republic.

As part of enriching the content of the Center, special attention is being given to artifacts, manuscripts, and models, in addition to scientific and innovative projects, in the 5 main exhibition halls.

In the last month, with the participation of several foreign specialists, such as Frédéric Bressan (France), Sergey Laptev (Japan), and Irina Osmanova (Russia), artifacts were selected from more than ten museums across the republic. However, this is not enough. In this regard, outreach to foreign museums and libraries continues. It is expected that more than 50 museums and libraries from around the world will participate in the opening of the Center.

 

 

Igor Malkiel, head of the department at the State Hermitage Museum in Russia

 

During the meeting, proposals were presented for the establishment of a restoration department at the Center for Islamic Civilization. Igor Malkiel, the head of the department at the State Hermitage Museum, and museum representative Irina Gureleva shared their ideas. The presentation discussed the possibility of transferring artifacts related to the culture and history of Uzbekistan, currently stored at the State Hermitage, to the Center's exhibition, as well as the creation of a special large laboratory at the Center for their restoration.

It was emphasized during the meeting that the opening of a separate restoration department at the Center is crucial, as many archaeological expeditions are conducted in Uzbekistan, and this center will provide the opportunity to restore items uncovered during these expeditions.

 

 

Presentation and Discussion

 

It should be noted that the Hermitage has over a century of experience in creating laboratories. The restoration capabilities of the State Hermitage Museum in Russia are highly advanced, and the museum has a laboratory equipped with the latest technologies, including the use of nanotechnology.

Igor Malkiel, the head of the restoration department at the State Hermitage Museum, is an expert with vast experience in establishing restoration and conservation laboratories in various countries around the world. He has been directly involved in setting up such laboratories and has significant expertise in organizing modern restoration labs.

Additionally, Ahmad Salim, the director and producer of the prestigious global media project "1001 Discoveries" (UK), presented his project for creating a special intellectual platform for children. He emphasized that this platform will provide children the opportunity to explore the life and legacy of great scientists, as well as offer the possibility for virtual communication with them.

 

 

Ahmad Salim, Director of the "1001 Discoveries" Media Project

 

The "1001 Discoveries" media project, led by Ahmad Salim as the director and producer, operates in over 40 countries worldwide, and this activity continues to expand. Many exhibitions organized under this project have been inaugurated with the participation of dozens of heads of state. Additionally, Ahmad Salim's media project has garnered special attention from the Kings of the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, as well as the Sultan of Oman.

 

 

International Recognition of the "1001 Discoveries" Media Project

 

It is worth noting that during his visit to the Center for Islamic Civilization, the President of our country issued directives to create special conditions for youth and children. In line with these instructions, a series of innovative exhibitions dedicated to cultural heritage is being created as part of the "1001 Discoveries" project. The Center will feature a hall of 800 square meters, where a separate exhibition for children, prepared by the team of Ahmad Salim, director and producer of the "1001 Discoveries" company, will be organized. This project will provide conveniences for families visiting the Center with children and give children the opportunity to familiarize themselves with important and necessary information in an innovative way.

"We have implemented over 40 projects in Muslim countries, and more than 500,000 children have had the opportunity to visit our exhibitions. This project in Uzbekistan holds special significance for us," said Ahmad Salim.

 

 

Discussion of Ahmad Salim's Presentation

 

Information was also presented regarding plans to release colorful books introducing children to the Center, as well as organizing mobile exhibitions for children in regions. This project will be implemented in three languages—Uzbek, English, and Russian.

During the meeting, the leaders of the 9 directions designated for the scientific and innovative development of the exhibition presented their presentations, in which they shared updates and additions to the relevant sections.

 

 

Discussion of the Quran Hall

 

The Quran Hall, spanning 1,638 square meters, will feature 316 rare copies of this holy book. The hall will showcase both original and replica manuscripts of the Quran, stored in various museums worldwide. The exhibits will be displayed for open viewing. Additionally, on February 19, 2025, a gift was presented to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, from the Minister of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia, Tawfiq bin Fawzan al-Rabi’a—a fragment of the sacred Kaaba curtain (Kiswa). It is expected that the opening ceremony of the Center will also feature foreign museums that have presented ancient copies of the Kaaba curtains (Kiswa).

The "Civilizations Before Islam" section will be divided into 5 smaller subsections (Ancient Khorezm, Sogdiana, Bactria, Shash, and Ancient Fergana). A total of more than 44 artifacts from national museums, 37 manuscripts and originals from the Center's collections, and 39 artifacts from foreign museums will be featured in this section. According to preliminary data, the total number of exhibits to be added will exceed 200. The responsible curator for this section, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor Jannat Ismailova, emphasized that work in the department is currently progressing actively.

 

 

Jannat Ismailova, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor

 

"Another sub-exposition will appear in the exhibition. We have developed a separate roadmap for this. Everyone who enters this section should be fully informed about our rich history and culture. The working group tirelessly and devotedly demonstrates initiative. With additional research, new exhibits are emerging that we plan to add to the section. This proves how rich and diverse our history is, and that with each step, new aspects are being discovered," said Jannat Ismailova.

 

Bakhram Abdukhali­mov, Director of the Abu Rayhon Beruni Institute of Oriental Studies, in his report at the Scientific Council meeting, mentioned that an unusual section is expected to appear in the exhibition. According to the information, this section will be in the form of a small building inside the main building.

 

 

Bakhrom Abdukhali­mov, Director of the Abu Rayhon Beruni Institute of Oriental Studies

 

"If we open the Center properly and hand it over to our people, we will consider it as fulfilling our responsible task. We, as scholars, are constantly thinking about this. In our section, more than 220 artifacts and over 126 projects are planned for implementation. We are very hopeful for the success of these projects. The format of the section is also unusual — every visitor will enjoy our captivating history. The section will have the ability to constantly display discoveries, innovations, and archaeological finds. There will also be a logical exchange of exhibits," said Bakhrom Abdukhali­mov.

 

 

 

Khursid Fayziev, Director of the State Museum of Timurid History

 

The head of the "Italian Renaissance" group, Director of the State Museum of Timurid History Khursid Fayziev, also presented a project overview. He noted that the exhibition in the "Italian Renaissance" section is divided into five historical periods, based on 148 projects, covering such outstanding figures as Amir Timur, Shahrukh Mirza, Mirzo Ulugbek, Sultan Husayn Mirza, Alisher Navoi, and Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur.

Of these, 304 artifacts related to the Timurids are located abroad, and 106 are in Uzbekistan. These items will be included in the database in the future.

During the discussion in the Scientific Council, proposals were made for changes to the architectural design of the building's entrance, and an analysis of decorative arts was conducted. Members of the Scientific Council made several comments and suggestions. In turn, People's Artist of Uzbekistan, academician Bahodir Jalolov emphasized that each exhibit should be not only elegant and beautiful in form but also in placement.

 

 

Bahodir Jalolov, People's Artist of Uzbekistan, Academician

 

"At each meeting of the Scientific Council, I discover something new. The organization of each of our meetings on the creation of the Center is very responsible. I would like to reflect on the creation of the images for the exhibition the vivid discussions that take place among scholars. In places where scholars gather, debates and discussions always occur. This is warmly welcomed by both international experts and our partners. Local scholars have also expressed various opinions and comments, and I will try to incorporate them into my work. They offer well-grounded ideas," said Bahodir Jalolov.

 

The image of historical figures has always been at the center of debates and discussions. This issue was discussed at previous meetings of the Scientific Council and also sparked lengthy and ongoing debates. In this context, Academician of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, art historian Akbar Khakimov, highly praised the works of Bahodir Jalolov. He noted that in his works, there is both historical truth and a carefully considered creative process.

 

 

 

Akbar Khakimov, Academician of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, Art Historian

 

"A historian typically describes what happened, while an artist approaches this with a creative perspective, imagining how it could have been. Therefore, when creating images of historical figures, it is essential to give the artist freedom and allow them to work based on precise scientific data and reflections. This should not be dismissed. Of course, it needs to be approached seriously, but one should not destroy an entire work with a single word. It is important to believe in the artist's abilities and support their ideas," said Akbar Khakimov.

At the meeting of the Scientific Council, it was noted that rare artifacts would be collected from various places. Trips abroad have been organized, resulting in the discovery of more than 300 artifacts related to the history and culture of our country. However, this is not enough to create a fully developed Center. In November this year, an important event under the auspices of UNESCO is planned in our country. More than 400 artifacts will be presented for the Center at this event. As announced, a working group led by the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ozodbek Nazarbekov, will organize expeditions to regional museums and cultural centers to collect artifacts. These artifacts will be presented openly, not secretly, to ensure they are accessible to the public. The artifacts will be stored in open, bright, and modern spaces, not in closed museums. The members of the Scientific Council approved the presentation of the finished content in the form of an album and the start of working with it.

 

 

Discussion of the Scientific Council Participants with Online Attendees