A delegation from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure visited the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan—a grand project established on the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and based on his decree dated July 23, 2017, which took nearly 9 years to build. The high-ranking international delegation familiarized themselves with this unique scientific and educational complex, praising it as "one of the most advanced and impressive museums in the world."
At the beginning of the visit, the delegation toured the "Gallery of Great Figures," where they viewed with great interest the images of great scholars and historical personalities depicted across 14 arches created by hand using micro-mosaic stones in 110 different colors. The information presented about these works of art left a strong spiritual impression on the guests.
The delegation members showed special interest in the exhibition of pre-Islamic civilizations of the museum, which featured a flute made of animal bone, fragments of the "Avesta" book, and the history of the Great Silk Road. It was especially noted that the exhibition, which featured an archery opportunity, allowed the guests to vividly experience the atmosphere of that era.
In the First Renaissance section, the Samarkand paper, the Kaaba cover dating back to 1988, and the keys to the Kaaba created during the Mamluk period in Egypt in the 12th–14th centuries left a great impression on the guests. These rare exhibits were praised as examples clearly demonstrating the high cultural and spiritual level of Islamic civilization.
In the Second Renaissance exhibition, the maps of the Amir Temur empire and the history of chess further increased the interest of the delegation members. In particular, the section dedicated to Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur in this period's exhibition aroused special respect and interest among the Indian representatives. They expressed their views on historical values that are still preserved today through the personality of Babur, his legacy, and great architectural monuments such as the Taj Mahal.
Suresh Janghu, Deputy Director of the Executive Committee of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (India):
– This center is very beautiful and modern, utilizing a wide range of technologies. Three thousand years of history are displayed here, through which one can see how rich the civilization and culture of Uzbekistan are. I think this place will serve as an important source of education for future generations, because here they can gain a deeper understanding of the country's history and how it reached its current level of development.
This center is a far-sighted, strategically important initiative. Especially, the extensive use of modern technologies makes it possible to attract young people and convey history to them in a more engaging way. This approach is very important today.
Having heard about this beautiful center built here, we visited to see it with our own eyes. Being here has been a great pleasure for me.
The videos about the reforms displayed in the "New Uzbekistan — Foundation of a New Renaissance" section left a special impression on the guests. The members of the delegation emphasized that the large-scale changes being implemented under the leadership of Shavkat Mirziyoyev are evidence of the solid foundation of a new Renaissance being built in the country.
They also got acquainted with the books published on the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and presented to heads of state in the "Foreign Policy" section of this department. The delegation members expressed their satisfaction at seeing that they were already familiar with these publications and that they had been gathered precisely in such a prestigious Center.
Navid Anjum, Deputy Director of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (Pakistan):
– Frankly speaking, this center is amazing. The level of effort and dedication invested here is truly admirable. Walking through different historical periods and seeing the collected exhibits presented as a single narrative leaves a very impressive impression.
We have been to various places around the world, but I can say that this center is one of the best I have seen. The main reason for coming here is to gain a deeper understanding of the history of Uzbekistan and how Islam developed in this region. Anyone interested in the history of the region and the development of Islam should definitely visit this place.
Especially the part related to Islamic history left a great impression. Also, the section related to Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur is very interesting.
Overall, this is a very touching place. We are very glad to have been here. In fact, one should visit this center without rushing, setting aside at least a full day.
The Quran hall, which houses the 7th-century Uthman Mus'haf, became the most impressive point of the visit. They acquainted themselves with the 114 sacred Quranic manuscript copies located around the hall—dating back to the Samanid, Karakhanid, Khorezmshakh, Timurid, and other dynasties—and received detailed information about their translations in ancient Uzbek writing.
After detailed information was provided about the Uthman Mus'haf located in the center of the hall, a 4-minute mapping hologram—especially the illumination of Surah Al-Alaq with light, the sounding of Surah Al-Fatiha, and the light show in the chandelier consisting of over 1 million Swarovski stones—deeply amazed the members of the delegation.
