Central Asian Leaders and Azerbaijan’s President Visit Tashkent Islamic Civilization Center

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Presidents of Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan, visiting Uzbekistan for the seventh Consultative Meeting of Heads of States in the region, together with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, toured the Tashkent Center of Islamic Civilization.

Established on the initiative of the Uzbek President, the complex is the first of its kind in the country, bringing together unique artifacts, research, and educational programs aimed at preserving and promoting the heritage of Islamic civilization. The architecture blends national traditions with modern decorative elements: portals on all four sides of the complex reach 34 meters in height, and the central dome rises to 65 meters.

The leaders of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev; Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev; Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov; and Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, accompanied by Mirziyoyev, visited the Sacred Quran Hall, home to the Uthman Mushaf — one of the oldest Quranic manuscripts, valued for its exceptional historical and cultural significance and symbolizing the spiritual traditions of the region’s peoples.

The presidents were introduced to exhibits titled “Pre-Islamic Civilizations,” “Era of the First Renaissance,” “Era of the Second Renaissance,” and “New Uzbekistan — New Renaissance,” showcasing the scientific and spiritual heritage of prominent thinkers such as Imam Bukhari, Imam Tirmidhi, Abu Mansur al-Maturidi, and Bahauddin Naqshbandi. The collections include manuscripts from the Samanid, Karakhanid, Khwarazmshah, and Timurid eras, along with translations into Old Uzbek.

Leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening cultural-civilizational ties, promoting educational and enlightenment initiatives, and fostering shared humanitarian values. They highly praised Uzbekistan’s efforts to preserve and popularize the region’s common cultural heritage and expressed confidence that the Center of Islamic Civilization will become a modern hub for research, education, and cultural cooperation among the countries of the region.