President Shavkat Mirziyoyev got acquainted with the work at the Center of Islamic Civilization

On January 29, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev got acquainted with the construction works being carried out at the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan.

This complex is a huge and unique project that has never been seen in our history. Today, the magnificent building is being erected, and the construction has entered its final stage.

This center was initiated based on the decision of our President on June 23, 2017, and on the day of the Ramadan holiday in 2018, the head of our state laid the foundation stone.

^{Photo: Presidential press service.}
The grand center building consists of three floors and is being constructed in the form of our ancient architectural monuments. The harmony of national domes and porticos, along with beautiful patterns, gives it a special beauty and grandeur. On all four sides of the complex, porticos with a height of 34 meters have been built, and a dome of 65 meters has been erected in the center.

At the very core of the center, a hall for the Holy Quran is being constructed. Here, the spiritual gem of the Muslim world – the ancient Uthman Mushaf will be placed. Additionally, copies of our holy book written during the times of the Samanids, Qarakhanids, Khwarezmshahs, Uzbek Khan, Timurids, and other historical dynasties, as well as their translations in old Uzbek, will be displayed. Samples of the rarest manuscripts of the Quran in the world will also be included.

– Many books related to our rich and unique heritage, manuscripts scattered across various countries, and unique information and works of art were unfortunately unknown to us. This center has enabled us to take significant steps in studying history, and new sources have emerged. Now, what will be the impact and result of these? They should not just be preserved as monuments but actively integrated into scientific consumption, conveyed to our people and youth in an understandable language, and widely promoted to the global community. This institution should not only tell about the past but also connect history, the present, and the future, defining the main directions of our development, – said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Sections such as “Civilizations Before Islam,” “The First Renaissance Period,” “The Second Renaissance Period,” “Uzbekistan in the 20th Century,” and “New Uzbekistan – New Renaissance” will be established in the complex. Our President paid special attention to their scientific concepts and the conditions created.

The history of these periods will be showcased through various artifacts, manuscript sources, photographs, and multimedia tools. Information about the diverse activities of scholars and thinkers such as Al-Khwarizmi, Al-Farghani, Al-Farabi, Al-Biruni, Ibn Sina, Burhaniddin Marg'iloni, Mahmud al-Zamahshari, Mirzo Ulugh Beg, Alisher Navoi, Babur Mirza, and Ali Qushchi will be provided. The contributions of scholars like Imam Bukhari, Imam Termizi, Hakim Termizi, Abu Mansur al-Maturidi, Abu Muin Nasafi, Qaffol Shoshi, Abdulhalik Gijduvoni, Najmiddin Kubro, Bahauddin Naqshband, and Khoja Ahror Vali to Islamic enlightenment will be thoroughly highlighted.

At the same time, the activities of famous women who have left a deep mark in our history, such as Bibikhanim, Khonzodabegim, Gavharshodbegim, Gulbadan, Nodirabegim, Uvaysiy, and Anbar otin, as patrons of knowledge and enlightenment, have also found expression. This exhibition serves as a model for today's girls.

The head of our state emphasized the importance and significance of the center's activities.

– The essence of Islamic civilization and teachings is actually science, culture, education, and upbringing. The main idea and foundation of the center we are building is also this. The most important aspect is that the ancient past related to Islamic culture in our homeland will be embodied in one place – in this complex. A person who gets acquainted with the center will clearly see this history and understand that Islam is primarily a religion of peace, development, and tolerance, and recognize the great contribution of the Uzbek people to world civilization, – said the President.

In line with this task, it is emphasized that it is necessary to deeply study the heritage of our great ancestors at the center and turn it into a life-giving force that can respond to the acute problems of today. For this, it is essential to scientifically coordinate the activities of the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, and other international scientific and educational organizations named after Imam Bukhari, Imam Termizi, Imam Maturidi, and to jointly find adequate scientific responses to modern threats and combat ignorance with enlightenment.

– If successful, this complex will enter history as a symbol of our architectural experience, the construction school of New Uzbekistan, and our scientific and spiritual potential. The content and essence of each section should be directed towards this goal. It is noteworthy that cooperation has been established with famous museums and libraries abroad, and books and articles are being published. To ensure that these works are permanent and scientifically based, the work should be organized systematically. Our main goal is to understand and convey our national identity, – said the head of our state.

The center has established close cooperation with several international scientific institutions and organizations, including UNESCO and ISESCO. In August 2024, the VIII International Congress on the topic “Heritage of Great Ancestors – The Foundation of the Third Renaissance” will be held in Tashkent and Samarkand. About 200 foreign scholars from 35 countries will participate and provide valuable proposals and recommendations regarding the center.

During the process of familiarization with the construction works and exhibition, Shavkat Mirziyoyev gave necessary instructions on organizing the center's activities and enriching and improving its meaning and content.

The head of our state also got acquainted with a presentation dedicated to Tashkent's tourism potential.

Such projects have started in many places. Dozens of tourist destinations operating 24/7 have been established in the districts of Bektemir, Mirzo Ulughbek, Mirobod, Yunusabad, Yakkasaroy, and Yangihayot.

The old city area of Tashkent has unique historical significance. Many foreign tourists come here in all seasons of the year. Therefore, the area is being specialized in tourism services. In particular, last year, such a street was established in the Gulbozor neighborhood near the Chorsu market. The culture and recreation park named after Abdulla Qodiriy is also being improved.

Now, it is planned to establish gastronomic and tourism streets in harmony with these. For this, 17 streets and 32 closed streets have been selected. Additional infrastructure will be created while preserving the unique architectural appearance of the Old City.

As a result, the number of entrepreneurs operating in the area will increase by 250, and 1,500 jobs will be created. Importantly, the daily number of tourists is expected to increase from the current 4,000 to 11,000.

Officials were instructed to increase conveniences for entrepreneurs and craftsmen and to organize trips in a meaningful and interesting manner.