Islamic Civilization Center and the Customs Institute: Practical cooperation in preserving cultural heritage is strengthening

The Islamic Civilization Center established in Uzbekistan, with its rich collections, restoration laboratory, and modern scientific and methodological museum practices, is increasingly becoming an important platform for cooperation not only for researchers but also for law enforcement officers.

At the Customs Institute, a practical meeting entitled “Issues of Preserving Cultural Assets in the Republic of Uzbekistan” was held with the participation of Center staff. The event was organized within the framework of implementing the tasks outlined in the Memorandum between the State Customs Committee of Uzbekistan and the Islamic Civilization Center, as well as the “Road Map” approved on 31 July 2025.

The meeting was opened by the Head of the Customs Institute, Colonel Mirazam Khamraev. In his speech, he especially emphasized the importance of practical skills for customs officers in preserving cultural heritage, preventing its illegal circulation, and correctly assessing historical monuments. During the event, organized with the participation of specialists from the Islamic Civilization Center, important information was provided on the history of the Center’s establishment, the acquisition of exhibits, and their restoration and equipment.

“I believe this knowledge and experience will be very useful for our cadets in their future practical activities,” said M. Khamraev.

The event also featured presentations by Elyor Mullajanov, Deputy Head and Chief Curator of the “Museum and Scientific Research of Exhibits” Department of the Islamic Civilization Center Museum, and Gulnoza Matchanova, a senior restorator.

A video about the establishment and current activities of the Center was also shown at the meeting. In addition, the special film “Whispers of Wisdom” prepared by the Center with the participation of actor Ben Kingsley, was presented to the participants.

The main part of the meeting was devoted to issues of determining the authenticity of cultural heritage objects and conducting their scientific expertise.

Specialists provided explanations, based on practical examples, of the main criteria for identifying and protecting manuscripts, works of visual art, metal and ceramic items, and historical textile artifacts.

More than 300 cadets and over 100 professors and teachers took part in the event. They asked questions to the Center’s specialists and received practical recommendations based on real exhibits.

At the end of the meeting, the Customs Institute and the Islamic Civilization Center agreed to further expand cooperation, including regularly organizing joint seminars and training sessions on restoration, expertise, museology, and the protection of cultural heritage.