Uzbekistan on March 17 inaugurated the Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent, during the final days of the holy month of Ramadan, marking the completion of one of the country’s most significant cultural and scholarly initiatives.
Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in the official opening of the impressive new facility, which houses historic centuries-old treasures that have been repatriated to Uzbekistan from all corners of the globe.
The Center was established at the initiative of President Mirziyoyev, whose vision was to form a major scientific and educational platform dedicated to the preservation and presentation of the rich intellectual and spiritual heritage of Islamic civilization, as well as the key role of Uzbekistan in this process. Since the laying of the foundation stone eight years ago – also in the holy month of Ramadan – the project has developed as a flagship cultural initiative, reflecting the country’s commitment to historical heritage, education and international dialogue.
The opening ceremony concluded with a traditional iftar, reflecting the spiritual significance of the occasion.
“The Islamic Civilization Center stands as a testament to President Mirziyoyev’s vision to restore, learn from and elevate the historical legacy of our region as one of the great centers of knowledge and culture in the Islamic world,” said Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director General of the Center.
“From the earliest concept, the President has personally championed the idea of creating an institution that would not only preserve our heritage but also present it to the world as a source of education, knowledge, dialogue and mutual understanding. His leadership has been decisive in bringing this ambitious project to life,” he said.
The complex reflects both the region’s thousand-year history and the country’s modern development. It serves as a platform for studying civilizational heritage, educating young people and strengthening international cultural dialogue.
The Center is expected to become a global hub for research and academic cooperation, hosting conferences, exhibitions and educational programmes focused on the intellectual and spiritual heritage of Islamic civilization. It also highlights Uzbekistan’s historic role as a crossroads of cultures along the Silk Road and as the birthplace of influential scholars.
Facilities within the complex include exhibition galleries, research spaces and laboratories for restoration and digitisation. Visitors can explore rare manuscripts and artifacts gathered from international museums and collections, alongside interactive displays illustrating advances in science, medicine and philosophy during the Islamic Golden Age.
Located in the historic heart of Tashkent near the Hazrati Imam complex, the three-storey building measures 145m by 115m, with a central dome rising 65m. At its core is the Uthman Qur’an, one of the world’s oldest Qur’anic manuscripts, recognised by UNESCO in its Memory of the World Register.
The main museum spans around 15,000 square metres, complemented by research centres and restoration facilities. The Center is expected to attract international scholars and visitors while promoting cultural understanding and knowledge-sharing across regions.
“The President set us the task of making every visitor realize that history is not only the past, but also the responsibility of the present,” said Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director General of the Center.
“After all, heritage is not what is stored behind glass, but what continues to live in us. If we remember where the path of knowledge begins, we understand where it should lead us. And today we are obliged to express our gratitude to the esteemed President for creating unique conditions and favorable opportunities for this majestic building, an incomparable monastery, which has become a symbol of our culture and spiritual heritage, and continues to inspire us to new achievements,” he said.
Once fully launched, the Center will become an international platform for academic cooperation and cultural exchange, hosting global conferences, research initiatives, educational programs, and exhibitions dedicated to the heritage of Islamic civilization and its significance for addressing contemporary global challenges. The opening of the Center for Islamic Civilization represents not only a major cultural milestone for Uzbekistan, but also a significant contribution to global efforts to promote knowledge, tolerance and mutual understanding.
