A delegation led by Sergey Kiriyenko, First Deputy Head of the Executive Office of the President of the Russian Federation, visited the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan. The guests were welcomed by Firdavs Abdukholikov, Director of the Center.
At the beginning of the visit, the delegation members were provided with detailed information about the center's main concept, its scientific and educational directions, and the content of the exhibition created at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The tour began at the Gallery of Great Personalities, which sequentially showcases the main historical stages. The delegation members viewed the exhibition with great interest and specially noted that the center comprehensively covers Islamic culture and art, science, education, and theology.
The guests were impressed by the historical periods presented in the exhibition, including pre-Islamic culture samples, Bactrian and Khorezmian civilizations, the history of the Silk Road, and their interconnected development. Special attention was paid to the development of science during the First Renaissance, including the heritage of prominent scholars such as Abu Ali ibn Sino, Abu Rayhan Beruni, and Muhammad al-Khwarizmi.
Exhibits dating back to the Sogdian period, particularly a replica of a silver vessel depicting a winged camel, sparked particular interest. It was noted that the original is kept in the State Hermitage Museum.
The delegation also visited the section dedicated to Imam al-Bukhari. The guests highly praised the modern memorial complex built near Samarkand and the scale of its development.
The exhibition dedicated to the Second Renaissance also aroused great interest, highlighting its unique features and significant achievements in statehood, culture, and architecture.
At the end of the tour, Sergey Kiriyenko left a note in the center's guest book expressing his deep impressions of what he had seen. In his review, he specifically highlighted the uniqueness and importance of the center:
“I express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to visit this unique Center of Islamic Civilization. It was established at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. It vividly demonstrates rich spiritual heritage and history while making extensive use of modern technologies. The center plays an important role in studying and popularizing the rich heritage of the Islamic world. I wish the center development and success. Sincerely, S. Kiriyenko.”
On behalf of the center, Director Firdavs Abdukholikov presented the distinguished guest with a facsimile edition of the Divan of Husayn Bayqara, copied in Herat in 1510. The book features the ruler's ghazals in the Turkic language, as well as four unique miniatures by Kamoliddin Behzod.
The delegation members highly praised the center's activities, emphasized it as a unique scientific and educational complex, and expressed their desire to visit it again.
