A page from the Shahnameh, copied in the 16th century, was presented to the Center for Islamic Civilization

🔴 A 600-year-old heritage is now in Uzbekistan!

The Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan has enriched its collection with another unique cultural heritage. This masterpiece, copied around 1585 in Central Asia, contains more than 50,000 couplets, encompassing history, heroic epics, and legends from ancient times up to the Sassanid dynasty.

During the “Great Heritage of the Past — Foundation of an Enlightened Future” international experts’ forum held at the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, a rare 16th-century page from the famous Shahnameh by the great Persian poet Abulqasim Ferdowsi was presented to the Center.

This work was gifted by British collector and art patron Mansour Mokhtarzadeh. The rare page, brought from the “Mansour Gallery”, was copied in Central Asia around 1585. The document measures 370 x 240 mm, and its style clearly reflects the artistic traditions of Kamoliddin Behzod’s creative school and the miniature art of the Timurid era.

At the ceremony, Mansour Mokhtarzadeh said:

“It is an incomparable honor for me to be among the guests who cherish the ancient and rich civilization of your homeland in Tashkent. By presenting this 16th-century page of the Shahnameh to the Center for Islamic Civilization, I am delighted to contribute to introducing Uzbekistan’s unique cultural heritage to the wider world”.

Background

Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh, created in the 11th century, is considered one of the greatest epic works in human history. Comprising more than 50,000 couplets, it narrates history, heroic tales, and legends from ancient times to the Sassanid dynasty. For centuries, the work has been a crucial source in shaping the cultural and spiritual identity of peoples.

The unique page added to the Center’s collection is not only a monument of historical significance but also an invaluable part of the world’s immortal cultural heritage. It will serve as a precious source for scholars, researchers, and visitors alike.

It is worth noting that on September 26–27 this year, the prestigious forum at the Center brought together more than 100 scholars and experts from over 20 countries. Representatives of leading international organizations such as IRCICA, ICESCO, TURKSOY, the Muslim World League, Oxford University, and Christie’s also took part with presentations.