Guests of the presentation. Photo: Press Service of the Center for Islamic Civilization
The Center for Islamic Civilization in Tashkent (CIC), in collaboration with the World Society for the Study, Preservation, and Promotion of Uzbekistan’s Cultural Heritage (WOSCU) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hosted a presentation titled «Uzbekistan’s Cultural Heritage—A Treasure of Humanity. Presentation of New Uzbekistan’s International Projects."
The event brought together heads of diplomatic missions, representatives of international organizations, and Uzbek embassies abroad. Guests were introduced to the architectural design of the Center for Islamic Civilization, a project initiated by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and to its key programs. The event featured a documentary film detailing the construction and activities of the Center.
The presentation aimed to enrich the Center’s exhibitions, broaden international partnerships, and attract new collaborators.
Bahromjon Alayev, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the importance of global cooperation in preserving and promoting Islamic heritage.
Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Center for Islamic Civilization, provided insight into the development of exhibitions and expansion of international collaborations. Of the 800 projects planned for display at the Center, 430 are being implemented with foreign partners.
Firdavs Abdukhalikov. Photo: Press Service of the Center for Islamic Civilization
«Following President Mirziyoyev’s directive, the second floor of the Center will house offices for international organizations, creating a unique platform for strengthening scientific and cultural ties between Uzbekistan and the global community. In addition, we are actively preparing major international exhibitions for the Center’s grand opening. To date, 15 museums, private collectors, and libraries from various countries have confirmed their participation, agreeing to showcase rare artifacts related to Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage in Tashkent. Today, we invite all our esteemed partners to actively collaborate and join this significant initiative,» Abdukhalikov stated.
Diplomatic representatives shared their impressions of the Center’s significance:
Italian Ambassador Pergabriele Papadia de Bottini:
«The Center for Islamic Civilization has left a profound impression on me. This is a truly grand project that the Uzbek people should take great pride in. Uzbekistan has made an immense contribution to global civilization. We recognize outstanding scholars from this region, such as Avicenna (Ibn Sina), and we are honored to collaborate with a country that has produced such remarkable figures. The library of the University of Bologna, Italy’s oldest university, is pleased to provide Uzbek scholars with access to over a million books."
Malaysian Ambassador Ilham Tua bin Ilyas:
«Malaysia and Uzbekistan share extensive cooperation in various fields. Following President Mirziyoyev’s visit to Kuala Lumpur on February 4–5, 2025, new opportunities have emerged. Your President has a visionary approach to redefining Islam’s role in the modern world. We must highlight Islam’s contributions to science, culture, and progress—after all, Uzbekistan was once a hub for medicine, astronomy, and mathematics. This year, Malaysia plans to exhibit rare artifacts from Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage at the Center for Islamic Civilization."
The event reinforced Uzbekistan’s commitment to preserving its rich Islamic heritage and fostering global partnerships in cultural and academic exchange.
