President Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in the official opening ceremony and iftar dinner of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan. Elders, scholars, and representatives of the general public joined the ceremony via regional video links.
Members of various ethnic and religious confessions, representatives of the diplomatic corps, and delegates from international organizations also attended. In addition, Uzbek billionaire Alisher Usmanov visited the event.
At the beginning of the event, the head of state once again cordially congratulated our entire nation on the holy month of Ramadan. Endless gratitude was expressed to Almighty Allah for bringing all of us safely, peacefully, and in good health to these blessed days.
The President emphasized the need to deeply appreciate how great and invaluable a blessing peace is in today's highly turbulent times, noting that our population of over 38 million living as a unified nation and close-knit family is our greatest wealth.
“I sincerely congratulate all of you on such an unforgettable day, a true celebration of science and enlightenment, where the dreams and aspirations of our ancestors have come true.
May this unique and magnificent complex, which serves as a bright mirror of our country's three-thousand-year glorious history, rich culture, and the opportunities of New Uzbekistan, be blessed for all of us and our entire people!” – said the President.
As noted, the supreme goal of "First of all, science and education" is being implemented in our country to lay the foundation for a developed state and a free society. After all, the holy religion of Islam always calls upon mankind to acquire knowledge and enlightenment.
Therefore, it was stated that engraving the blessed verse of the Holy Quran, "Iqro!" – "Read!", above the Ulugbek Gate of the Center of Islamic Civilization carries a symbolic and profound meaning.
The noble initiative to establish the Center, announced at the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly, was widely supported by the world community, especially the Islamic world.
The project was implemented not hastily, but thoughtfully and in harmony with scientific research and exploration. As a result, an oriental town with a unique architecture and a true national spirit and identity has risen next to the Hazrat Imam complex.
At the Center, one can witness the masterpieces of Uzbekistan's ancient history and civilization in a single educational space, and on this basis, gain a deeper understanding of the people's intellectual and cultural potential.
“Everyone who gets acquainted with this sanctuary, our people, and especially our youth, will comprehend the humanistic essence of the Islamic religion, feel the greatness of the heritage they own, and their hearts will be filled with pride and glory,” – said the President.
It was noted that in order to deeply study and promote globally this priceless treasure, which is the spiritual property not only of Uzbekistan but of the entire region, it was decided to unite it under the name of the Center of Islamic Civilization.
As recognized by international experts, a unique and major scientific school for studying and promoting the heritage of Islamic civilization is currently taking shape in Uzbekistan, demonstrating to the world the country's vast intellectual potential.
Highlighting the scale and capabilities of the center, the President noted that this unique complex spans nearly 10 hectares, with a total usable building area of 50,000 square meters.
Here, there are exhibition halls such as "Pre-Islamic Period in the Land of Uzbekistan", "The First and Second Renaissances", and "New Uzbekistan – The Foundation of the Third Renaissance".
Great work has also been done to form and enrich the museum's exhibition; last year alone, more than 1.5 thousand exhibits, including about 800 ancient manuscripts, archaeological finds, and historical maps, were placed in the exhibition. Cooperation has been established with foreign auction houses, major collectors, and art dealers, bringing the original copies of 743 exhibits to Uzbekistan.
In the main hall of the center – the Holy Quran Hall – the revered Uthman Mushaf, one of the six oldest Qurans in the world, has found a worthy and honorable place matching its high status. In addition, rare Quranic manuscripts from various eras are gathered here.
As noted, in 2025 alone, the Center of Islamic Civilization sparked great interest among thousands of foreign guests. Among them are presidents of a number of states, heads of parliaments and governments, deputies and senators, ministers, ambassadors, figures of science and public life, and leaders of religious organizations.
Qualified specialists from France, China, Great Britain, the USA, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, Turkey, Germany, Spain, Italy, Malaysia, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, India, Central Asian states, and other countries participated in designing, building, and equipping the center with modern information technologies.
The head of state expressed gratitude to the designers, builders, engineers, scholars, foreign partners, and experts who made a worthy contribution to the creation of this complex, including members of the World Society for the Study, Preservation, and Promotion of the Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan, and all dedicated individuals.
Special thanks were also expressed to local and foreign entrepreneurs, cultural and sports figures who provided sponsorship support in constructing this large and complex cultural facility.
“When we set out to build the Center of Islamic Civilization, I dreamed of finding and bringing back to our country any manuscript or single exhibit related to our history, no matter where in the world it might be, and set this task before us. Thank God, today we are gradually achieving that goal. We will certainly continue these efforts,” – said the head of state.
It was emphasized that new international scientific expeditions will be organized to identify and study rare manuscripts kept in various countries around the world. Local and foreign scientists, as well as leading international scientific centers, will be widely involved in these efforts.
Additionally, to broadly establish the Center's activities, offices have been established here in cooperation with international organizations such as ICESCO, IRCICA, the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, the Society of Amir Timur in France, and TURKSOY. It was determined that all necessary conditions will now be created to further strengthen cooperation with them.
It was noted that the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan has also acquired its new headquarters at the Center, and it is appropriate to deeply study the Islamic heritage, improve the qualifications of religious staff and imams, and develop international cooperation here.
In the near future, presentations of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, as well as the Imam Bukhari, Imam Tirmidhi, and Imam Maturidi international research centers, are planned to be held at the UN headquarters.
The President specifically emphasized that the center will serve as a fundamental base for spiritual and educational activities. It is envisioned that senior students of the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan will study here, while teachers and scholars will enhance their knowledge and qualifications.
Most importantly, it was noted that the center should become a solid spiritual ground for raising new Khorezmians, Berunis, Ulugbeks, Farghanis, Ibn Sinas, Bukharis, and Tirmidhis among our youth.
In this regard, the head of state addressed scientists and researchers, poets and writers, religious scholars, directors and artists, journalists, and creative youth:
“Inspired by this incomparable wealth, may the scientific research, literary books, cinematic and theatrical works, paintings, and broadcasts created by you be broadcast to the world as the undying voice of a three-thousand-year history and culture! May they proclaim New Uzbekistan to the world as a land of peace, goodness, knowledge, and enlightenment! May they become a school of upbringing and national pride for our people, especially our youth!” – said the President.
In conclusion, the head of state expressed confidence that the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan will remain a space of peace, goodness, knowledge, and enlightenment that will faithfully serve our nation and the global community.
During the iftar dinner, verses from the Holy Quran were recited. Prayers were offered asking for the acceptance of fasts and prayers performed during the holy month of Ramadan, and beseeching the Almighty Creator to protect our people and Uzbekistan under His care.
