Frederique Bressand: “The initiative of the President of Uzbekistan is a sign of great courage and wise leadership”

According to Frederique Bressand, a French historian, art scholar of the Timurid period, and head of the Timurid Society in France, the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, established at the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, is a unique space where history and modernity are harmoniously intertwined offering the younger generation an opportunity to understand the past from a new perspective. The scholar especially praised the exhibitions devoted to the culture and scientific heritage of the Timurid era, as well as to such great figures as Amir Temur, Mirzo Ulughbek, and Zahiriddin Babur.

“First of all, I must say that I am amazed by the scale and elegance of the Center. This place allows one to feel the richness of your culture particularly the Timurid period, which I deeply respect and specialize in.

 

I believe this Center is extremely important not only for the international community or visitors to Uzbekistan but also for the Uzbek people themselves, especially the younger generation. Through modern technology, they will be able to study this knowledge more deeply which, without doubt, is an essential part of education.

 

The exhibits displayed here are of very high quality and provide extensive information. In particular, the section on miniature art that flourished in Herat during the time of Amir Temur, Ulughbek Mirzo, and Husayn Bayqara is impressive. During that era, calligraphy and visual art reached an extraordinary level. In my opinion, the 14th–15th centuries marked the peak of this culture. Later, during the Mughal period, these traditions continued to some extent, but the Timurid era remained the highest stage. This process had a profound influence on the entire Islamic world. The Timurid dynasty ruled for 150 years, and through Babur, it continued in India, contributing immensely to the development of Islamic architecture.

 

I highly value the initiatives of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. This is a very timely and important initiative aimed at promoting culture. When I founded the Timurid Society 37 years ago, cultural attention was minimal even in Uzbekistan. But over the past three decades, I have seen how culture has become a vital field a means through which nations earn international recognition and respect. Now, through this Center, Uzbekistan is presenting to the world the true meaning and value of culture.

 

One of the most significant aspects of the Center is that it presents Islam as a source of peace, tolerance, dialogue, and enlightenment.

 

Moreover, the Center also showcases the pre-Islamic cultural heritage, demonstrating how those traditions were integrated into Islamic civilization. Even some ideas rooted in Zoroastrianism have found reflection in this process.

 

This scholarly and cultural heritage is an invaluable treasure for you. The Uzbek people’s reverence for thinkers, their Sufi traditions, and their humanistic approach to faith distinguish Central Asia from other regions.

 

I fully support the ideas expressed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in his speech at the 80th session of the United Nations. His message was truly important and positive. At a time when extremism is on the rise, the realization of such initiatives the creation of projects like this Center is a sign of great courage and wise leadership.

 

I believe that the Islamic Civilization Center will continue to expand and enrich its content in the future. In particular, by adding original exhibits, ancient documents, miniatures, and materials related to depictions of Temur in Europe, the Center will reach an even higher level.

 

As an honorary citizen of Samarkand, I once suggested that a special section be dedicated to the Shakhi Zinda ensemble. This complex is a unique monument known throughout the world. Shakhi Zinda is dedicated to Temur’s sisters and women, showing that women played a significant role in society during the Timurid period. Figures such as Saray Mulk Khanum actively participated in state affairs.

 

In conclusion, the Islamic Civilization Center is of great importance to the world. It stands as a brilliant example of the harmony between history, art, and religion and will undoubtedly become one of the most prominent cultural centers of the future.”