Firdavs Abdukhalikov: The cultural heritage of Uzbekistan belongs not only to us, but to all humanity

"Dunyo" News Agency. In an interview with a correspondent of “Dunyo”, the Director of the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, Firdavs Abdukhalikov, shared his views on the ongoing international congress titled “Central Asia: shared spiritual and educational heritage – shared future” and the newly constructed Center.

We brought the images of our great ancestors to life using artificial-intelligence avatars as part of our preparations for the international congress. Visitors watched this process with immense wonder and excitement. Wherever a guest may come from, the first thing they look for is their own language. And when they hear a figure speaking in their mother tongue, it brings them joy. This is not only about bringing our ancestors to life, but also a profound expression of respect for their languages and cultures.

 

This initiative was implemented directly on the basis of the ideas of our President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. From the moment the construction project of the Center was approved to its commissioning, the President visited several times, and during each visit he presented new ideas and instructions. Every initiative reflected a new outlook and future vision.

 

Today, seeing the amazement, interest, and deep impressions of our guests, we feel how accurate and far-sighted our Leader’s ideas were. The opportunity to present our great ancestors in an interactive form, to experience their era, and to converse with them as if in person proves how correct and meaningful this concept is.

 

Our exhibitions such as “Pre-Islamic Civilizations”, “First Renaissance”, “Second Renaissance”, “Uzbekistan in the 20th Century”, and “New Uzbekistan – New Renaissance” allow visitors to understand history vividly and feel the future.

 

Visitors often ask: “Whose idea was this?” “How was such a grand center created?” And we proudly say: this emerged thanks to our President’s visionary thinking and creative leadership. Today, our Center possesses far more conditions, technological capabilities, and scholarly resources than we initially expected. Indeed, the admiration of our guests is boundless!

 

When President Shavkat Mirziyoyev first presented these ideas at the UN platform in 2017, some believed, while others were skeptical. Yet, eight years later, at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, these ideas have become reality. A magnificent complex embodying the scientific, cultural, and spiritual heritage of our ancestors now stands tall.

 

Back then, the world realized the true essence of this initiative. The world of today is vastly different from that of eight years ago. Conflicts and disagreements continue in many regions. At that time, our President said, “Ignorance lies at the root of all conflicts. And we must fight ignorance with enlightenment.”

 

Today, the world acknowledges that this Center is not merely a museum it is a living megaplatform symbolizing spirituality, enlightenment, and progress. Most importantly, the Center will continue to develop and renew itself.

 

For example, today’s congress brought together many guests and experts from Central Asia and Azerbaijan. New joint programs and scholarly projects are being discussed with them. Such collaborations will pave the way for new discoveries and research.

 

Naturally, these achievements will be reflected in our exhibitions. That is why the displays in our Center are constantly evolving, expanding, and being updated. Each time visitors come here, they encounter new ideas, inspiration, and spirit.

 

Our President emphasized the need to create special conditions for cooperation with international organizations. We have worked to ensure a comfortable environment for our colleagues from Central Asian states and Azerbaijan.

 

The main goal of this congress is to unite efforts. Because the cultural heritage of Uzbekistan belongs not only to us, but to all humanity. Today, the whole world recognizes this. Ministers of culture and international experts visiting the Center affirm these noble ideas.

 

The Islamic Civilization Center is a bright symbol of Uzbekistan’s spiritual renaissance. It is a vivid expression of our nation’s loyalty to its history and the legacy of great ancestors. Our shared mission is to unite our strengths and achieve even greater heights.