The museum of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent will present a unique manuscript of the 15th-century poem Humoy va Humoyun (Humoy and Humoyun), the Center’s press service reported.
The poem was written by the poet Khoja Kirmani in 1437 in Herat during the reign of Shahrukh Mirza, son of Amir Timur.
The manuscript contains about 4,400 verses and is adorned with miniatures and ornaments reflecting the traditions of 15th-century book art. Although the original manuscript is kept in Paris, in Tashkent it will be shown as part of the book-album Masterpieces of Uzbekistan’s Manuscript Heritage and displayed in the Second Renaissance Hall of the museum.
Humoy and Humoyun is one of five doston tales in Kirmani’s Khamsa. The poem tells the story of the love between Princess Humoy and Prince Humoyun, who must overcome many trials before they can be together. It combines a romantic narrative with courtly themes such as the struggle for power, loyalty, wisdom, and the mercy of rulers.
The Center of Islamic Civilization was built next to the Khast-Imam complex. The building is designed in the style of medieval architectural monuments, with four portals each 34 meters high and a central dome 65 meters tall. It houses a Quran Hall, a 460-seat conference hall, and a museum whose exhibitions cover the history of Uzbekistan from pre-Islamic times to the present day. The Center is intended as a platform for the study and contemporary interpretation of the nation’s heritage, in cooperation with the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan and educational and research centers worldwide.
