The achievements that laid the foundation of human civilization originated from this land,” — President of Paraguay

As part of an official visit to Uzbekistan, the President of the Republic of Paraguay, Santiago Peña, visited the Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent.

The high-ranking guest was accompanied by the Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Laziz Kudratov, and the Director of the Center, Firdavs Abdukhalikov.

Established at the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Center is a major historical and educational complex aimed at preserving, studying, and presenting to the global community the invaluable scholarly and spiritual heritage of Islamic civilization.

During the visit, Santiago Peña entered the Holy Qur’an Hall and closely familiarized himself with the Mushaf of Uthman one of the oldest copies of the Qur’an and a relic of immense significance for the Muslim world. Detailed information was provided on the role of this rare manuscript in the history of Islam and in the development of global scientific and philosophical thought.

Members of the Paraguayan President’s delegation also toured the Center’s exhibitions titled “Pre-Islamic Period,” “The First Renaissance,” “The Second Renaissance,” and “New Uzbekistan — The Foundation of a New Renaissance.” The guests were deeply impressed by information on the invaluable contributions of great scholars such as Imam al-Bukhari, Imam al-Tirmidhi, Abu Mansur al-Maturidi, and Bahauddin Naqshband to the development of world science. Rare manuscripts, artifacts, and historical sources from the periods of the Samanids, Karakhanids, Khwarazmshahs, and Timurids were also displayed.

During the visit, the head of state reviewed the Center’s fourteen arches, historical artifacts, and works of fine art, giving high praise to the rich spiritual and scientific heritage reflected in them. In particular, the exhibitions dedicated to the scholarly legacy of figures such as al-Khwarizmi, al-Biruni, Ibn Sina, al-Tirmidhi, and al-Bukhari made a strong impression on President Peña.

President Santiago Peña stated:

“The history of Uzbekistan is truly unparalleled. It is a great civilization encompassing five thousand years of development. To understand a nation, one must know its history, and here the history is exceptionally rich. Many scientific and cultural achievements that made a tremendous contribution to human civilization originated precisely on this land. Uzbekistan’s greatest wealth is its historical heritage, scientific achievements, and cultural civilization. For example, many people are unaware that the first comprehensive scientific foundations of algebra or medicine emerged from this region. I am deeply inspired by this visit. Paraguay is ready for promising future cooperation with Uzbekistan.”

The delegation also explored the exhibitions dedicated to pre-Islamic periods. Arrowheads dating back 80,000 years, along with information on the ancient civilizations of Bactria, Sogdiana, and Khwarazm, aroused great interest among the guests. Artifacts from the Zoroastrian era, ancient manuscripts, and immersive show presentations received high praise. The delegation then toured the Congress Hall complex, after which the visit continued in the “Second Renaissance” section. The guests viewed exhibits related to the era of Amir Temur, chess pieces from that period, and ancient Qur’an manuscripts. President Santiago Peña emphasized that the establishment of the Islamic Civilization Center is a tangible result of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s initiatives and highly praised the efforts being made in Uzbekistan to preserve, study, and promote historical heritage.