The museum of the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan has been further enriched: unique artifacts from different parts of the world have been presented as gifts

 

At the museum of the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, founded on the initiative and vision of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, distinctive artifacts were presented by a number of international museums, prestigious galleries, and private collectors.

 

The artifact presentation ceremony took place on September 26–27 within the framework of the forum “The Legacy of the Great Past – the Foundation of an Enlightened Future” in the conference hall of the “Sevimli” media complex. It was attended by representatives from more than 20 countries, including over 100 scholars and experts.

 

 

At the beginning of the event, President of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, academician Shavkat Ayupov, delivered the opening remarks:

 

The Center for Islamic Civilization is a major scientific and spiritual institution founded eight years ago on the initiative of the President. Here, the heritage of our ancestors is gathered, providing inspiration for the youth and opportunities for scholars to conduct research.

 

Today it has become not only an impressive building but also a multifunctional center uniting science, education, and culture. In this regard, the international experts’ forum was held, and the contributions of foreign experts to the development of the Center were given special recognition, said Shavkat Ayupov.

 

 

 

We express our deep gratitude to our esteemed senior scholars who have demonstrated great responsibility and dedication in implementing the President’s initiatives. Under the leadership of our Honorable President, more than a thousand Uzbek scholars together with hundreds of foreign experts have carried out tremendous work. The Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan is not just an ordinary museum, but as our President emphasized, it has become a great spiritual and scientific platform. Here, all conditions have been created for studying, preserving, and promoting cultural heritage. The purpose of the project is to present the heritage of our ancestors to the world, to demonstrate the immense contribution of Islamic civilization to the progress of humanity, and to promote the ideas of peace and enlightenment. This institution has been built as a vivid symbol of combating ignorance through knowledge. We extend our sincere gratitude to all partners and scholars, said Firdavs Abdukalikov, Director of the Center.

 

Following this, the gift presentation ceremony began. World-renowned collections and galleries presented valuable exhibits for the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan.

 

In the cultural part of the event, famous artists performed on stage. The donors, either in person on stage or by joining online, provided information about the history and significance of the artifacts they presented and expressed their heartfelt wishes to Uzbekistan and the leadership of the Center.

 

 

Mansour Mokhtarzadeh, Collector (United Kingdom):

 

It is an immense honor for me to be among the distinguished guests in Tashkent, celebrating your country’s ancient and rich civilization.

 

Today, I have presented to the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan several pages from the “Shahnameh” manuscript copied in the 16th century. I am delighted to contribute in this way to showcasing Uzbekistan’s unique and multifaceted culture.

 

 

Among the most significant gifts, the rare artifacts brought from Britain deserve special attention:

 

➖ DAVID AARON Gallery — Pre-Islamic ornaments;
➖ MOMTAZ ISLAMIC ART Gallery — Safavid-era ceremonial wedding axe;
➖ YACOB’S GALLERY — Timurid-era ceramic dishes;
➖ SAM FOGG Collection — Medieval metal and bronze objects;
➖ Dr. Firuza Melville (Cambridge) — Early 20th-century carpet;
➖ Mansour Gallery — 16th-century “Shahnameh” pages.

 

In addition, Russia’s Medina publishing house presented works on religious themes, while Uzbek philanthropists donated 20 architectural monument models, 18th-century astrolabes, 19th–20th century Qur’an copies, Kushan coins, and various maps.

 

 

 

Separately, the Director of the Center for Islamic Civilization, Firdavs Abduhalikov, presented gold items from the 5th–6th centuries belonging to Byzantine soldiers from his own family’s private collection.

 

The forum was also attended by representatives of prestigious international organizations such as TURKSOY, ICESCO, IRCICA, and Al-Furqan.