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12 August, 2026   |   29 Ṣafar, 1448

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12 August, 2026, 29 Ṣafar, 1448

A unique “instrument of intellect” created in Samarkand in the 18th century at the Center for Islamic Civilization!

03.10.2025   33366   2 min.
A unique “instrument of intellect” created in Samarkand in the 18th century at the Center for Islamic Civilization!

Uzbekistan’s first auction house — Art Vernissage — donates a unique artifact to the Center for Islamic Civilization

During the international expert forum “The Legacy of the Great Past — the Basis of an Enlightened Future” held in Tashkent, the country’s first auction house, Art Vernissage, presented the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan with a rare 18th-century artifact a brass astrolabe created in Samarkand in 1711.

This 21-cm scientific instrument is equipped with interchangeable plates, allowing its use across different geographical latitudes. Thanks to this feature, the astrolabe was considered a multifunctional scientific device of its time.

For reference: in the Islamic world, the astrolabe was not merely an astronomical tool but a symbol that combined scientific progress, practical application, religious devotion, and artistic mastery. It served as a reliable guide not only for astronomers but also for travelers, sailors, and merchants.

Great scholars such as Al-Khwarizmi, Al-Fargani, and Al-Biruni described in detail the structure and use of the astrolabe in their works, further highlighting its prominent role in Islamic civilization.

“This perfect instrument, especially between the 15th and 18th centuries, was recognized as one of the most advanced devices in the world. We hope this astrolabe, now part of the Center’s exhibition, will reflect the profound knowledge and craftsmanship of Islamic scholars and leave a lasting impression on all visitors”, said Shavkat Sultanov, Director of the Art Vernissage auction house.

This donation has further enriched the Center’s exhibition and strengthened the country’s intellectual environment and cultural dialogue.

As a reminder: at the international forum held at the Center on September 26–27 this year, more than 100 experts scholars and researchers, heads of museums and libraries, and heritage specialists from over 20 countries took part. Representatives of prestigious institutions such as IRCICA, ICESCO, TURKSOY, the World Islamic League, Oxford University, the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Christie’s contributed with lectures and analyses.

The international community highly praised President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s initiatives to preserve the humanistic essence of Islam and to foster intercultural dialogue.

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“Colombo Times”: Implementation of the Third Renaissance Idea becomes a state policy of Uzbekistan

12.08.2026   3324   3 min.
 “Colombo Times”: Implementation of the Third Renaissance Idea becomes a state policy of Uzbekistan

The Sri Lankan online publication Colombo Times has published an analytical article titled “Uzbekistan’s New Renaissance: Reviving a Golden Past with the Tools of Tomorrow”, reports Dunyo IA.

Publication, prepared by renowned Sri Lankan journalist Fazan Nawaz, focuses on the reforms carried out in Uzbekistan over the past decade under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, aimed at building the New Uzbekistan and implementing the idea of the Third Renaissance, as well as their significant outcomes.

“At the very heart of Central Asia, a quiet yet far-reaching revolution in its significance is taking place. This struggle is being waged not with weapons, but through manuscripts, museums and microchips. Under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan is seeking to revive the glory of the medieval “Golden Age”, when such cities as Samarkand and Bukhara were leading centers of global science, poetry, and philosophy, author writes. - The distinctive feature of this process lies in the fact that Uzbekistan is actively using artificial intelligence and digital technologies to preserve, restore, and promote cultural heritage spanning more than a thousand years of history”.

Publication also highlights Uzbekistan’s rich cultural and historical heritage and the reforms being implemented to preserve it. It notes that this land has been the cradle of many outstanding scholars and thinkers throughout human history.

 “Leader of Uzbekistan frequently refers to this historical heritage, emphasizing that Mirzo Ulugbek was not only a great scholar but also a statesman for whom science was the highest value. The current process of renewal is referred to by the Head of State as the ‘Third Renaissance’, viewing it as a nationwide project aimed at restoring Uzbekistan’s role as a center of science, education, and culture. According to historians, this term denotes a new stage of revival following two great periods of flourishing that had previously existed in the region”, article notes.

Article emphasizes that an important feature of Uzbekistan’s approach, distinguishing it from other countries, is the use of artificial intelligence not only as a tool for economic development but also as a means of protecting cultural heritage.

Fazan Nawaz concludes his article by stating that only time will show whether the “Third Renaissance” will be able to fully achieve its objectives. However, it is already clear today which path Uzbekistan is pursuing.