Swedish delegation: “Uzbekistan is the intellectual heart of Central Asia”

The rich scientific and spiritual heritage of Central Asia is increasingly attracting the attention of scholars, diplomats, and researchers from around the world. In particular, the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan is generating great interest among international visitors as an innovative scientific and educational institution that harmoniously combines the region’s millennia-old history with modern technologies.

The visit of Sweden’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Tomas Danestad, and the Director of the Institute for Security and Development Policy of Sweden, orientalist and political scientist Dr. Svante Cornell, to the Center is a vivid example of this growing interest.

During the visit, the guests became familiar with the exhibitions and shared their views on the role of Central Asia during the Renaissance periods, the contribution of Uzbek scholars to world science, and the Center’s scientific concept.

Ambassador Tomas Danestad described the Center as “a unique place that presents history in an entirely new way”:

“This place is simply astonishing. The history of Uzbekistan itself is rich, but the way this history is presented is even more impressive. For Western audiences, this center is an extremely important source,” the ambassador said.

According to him, the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, built on the initiative and vision of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, is not only a modern presentation of national history but also a strong brand that is enhancing Uzbekistan’s standing on the global scientific map. The ambassador emphasized that Swedish tourists are showing great interest in the history and heritage of Uzbekistan precisely because of this institution.

Dr. Svante Cornell, in turn, highly praised the scale and concept of the Center:

“This center, built on the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, is unique in the Islamic world. Everyone who enters here immediately feels that Central Asia was the intellectual heart of the world a thousand years ago,” he said.

He noted that the current regional cooperation in Central Asia is creating a strong foundation for a new, third Renaissance era.

The guests also visited the section of Qur’an manuscripts, halls dedicated to the Renaissance periods, and the “New Uzbekistan — the Foundation of a New Renaissance” exhibition. They were particularly impressed by the Center’s multimedia solutions, scientific sources, and collections.

At the end of the visit, the Swedish delegation described the Islamic Civilization Center as “an important global hub for the promotion of science not only in Uzbekistan but throughout Central Asia” and expressed its intention to expand cooperation in the future.