President Reviews Progress at Uzbekistan’s Center of Islamic Civilization

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the Center of Islamic Civilization on 20 October to review progress on the creation of exhibitions showcasing the country’s rich historical and spiritual heritage.

The project was launched following a presidential decree issued on 23 June 2017, with the foundation stone laid on Eid al-Fitr in 2018. Over the years, extensive construction and landscaping works have been completed.

The architectural design of the complex harmoniously combines ancient traditions with national decorative elements. The building features 34-meter-high portals on all four sides, and a 65-meter central dome crafted in traditional Uzbek style.

At the heart of the complex lies the Hall of the Holy Qur’an, which will display priceless treasures of the Islamic world, including the ancient Qur’an of Uthman. The exhibitions also feature handwritten copies of sacred texts from the eras of the Samanids, Karakhanids, Khwarazmshahs, and Timurids, as well as translations into Old Uzbek and rare Qur’anic manuscripts from around the globe.

The complex also houses a 460-seat conference hall, fully equipped for international meetings and scientific forums. The museum’s thematic sections include “Civilizations Before Islam,” “The First Renaissance,” “The Second Renaissance,” “Uzbekistan in the 20th Century,” and “New Uzbekistan — New Renaissance.”

The exhibits highlight the lives and works of renowned scholars and theologians such as Imam al-Bukhari, Imam at-Tirmidhi, Abu Mansur al-Maturidi, and Bahauddin Naqshband, as well as a special section dedicated to female scholars and benefactors who played significant roles in Islamic history — including Bibi Khanum, Nodirabegim, Uvaysi, and Anbar Atin.

During his visit, the president examined interior finishing works, exhibit designs, and the implementation of interactive technologies. He stressed the importance of presenting the exhibits in an engaging and accessible manner for both local and international visitors.

President Mirziyoyev also highlighted the need to train more professional guides and experts, giving instructions to further enrich the museum’s content and provide a deeper insight into Uzbekistan’s spiritual and scholarly legacy.

As part of the visit, information was presented on expanding cooperation between the Center and institutions such as the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan and the research centers named after Imam al-Bukhari, Imam at-Tirmidhi, and Imam al-Maturidi.