BBC History Extra: “A Beacon for the Whole World”

In an article titled “Guardians of Heritage,” published in Britain’s renowned history magazine History Extra, the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan is described in precisely these terms.

The piece emphasizes that the Center marks the beginning of a new era in education and the preservation of the country’s historical heritage, and that even today it is regarded as one of the grandest cultural projects of New Uzbekistan. Paying special attention to the capital’s unique position, the authors describe Tashkent as a place of dialogue between eras:

“At the crossroads of ancient history and modernity, Uzbekistan’s capital - Tashkent has completed the realization of a project that ranks among the largest cultural initiatives of New Uzbekistan.”

The article places particular emphasis on the efforts underway to repatriate national cultural heritage. As President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has repeatedly stressed, the true strength of a nation lies in its memory and cultural roots. In this context, it is noted that work has begun to return unique artifacts to the homeland and to enrich museum collections with authentic national heritage.

The Islamic Civilization Center is presented not merely as a museum complex, but as a large-scale educational and cultural megaproject dedicated to understanding the place of Islamic heritage in world history and integrating it into the future.

It is also noted that the idea of building the Center was first proposed in 2017 by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and that it is intended to serve not only the country itself, but also regions beyond Central Asia by shaping a new cultural and educational code.

Special attention is given to the architecture of the complex. The article highlights the symbolic meaning of the 65-meter dome and the four monumental portals representing the unity of the country’s regions. The central space is identified as the Holy Qur’an Hall, which houses the seventh-century Uthman Mushaf included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Register.

The authors describe the exhibition concept of the Center in detail, noting:

“Archaeology, art, and technology are brought together into a single flow through digital projections, light, sound, and interactive solutions.”

The educational scale of the project is also emphasized: a library designed for 200,000 books, a school of calligraphy, restoration laboratories, and the “1001 Inventions” museum-laboratory for children and young people.

The international significance of the Center is affirmed through the words of UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany:

“I wish for this radiant Center to become a beacon for the whole world. It is a true witness to cultural diversity, tolerance, openness, and Uzbekistan’s role in the progress of humanity a genuine crossroads of civilizations.”

History Extra is the United Kingdom’s leading history magazine and digital platform produced by the BBC History Magazine team, presenting analytical articles and research by leading historians with academic rigor in a style accessible to a broad international audience.