The site is working in test mode!
31 August, 2026   |   18 Rabī‘ al-awwal, 1448

Tashkent city
Fajr
04:25
Sunrise
05:48
Dhuhr
12:23
Asr
17:03
Maghrib
19:02
Isha
20:21
Bismillah
31 August, 2026, 18 Rabī‘ al-awwal, 1448

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

03.10.2025   35668   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.

Other posts

The President reviews the reconstructed street featuring modern solutions

16.10.2025   46948   3 min.
The President reviews the reconstructed street featuring modern solutions

On October 15, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited Yakkasaray district of Tashkent city to inspect the results of the reconstruction of Shota Rustaveli Street.

The development of road infrastructure and the creation of convenient traffic conditions remain among the key priorities for the capital, whose population and urban area continue to grow rapidly. Consequently, modern roads and bridges are being built across Tashkent, while existing ones are being upgraded to meet contemporary standards.

Shota Rustaveli Street, one of the city’s main arteries, connects several districts of Tashkent. To improve traffic flow, the section from Mirabad Street to Choshtepa Street, nearly 7 kilometers long, has been completely reconstructed.

The new layout includes 10 lanes: six for cars, two for public transport, and two designated for parking.

The President, accompanied by representatives of state agencies and public organizations, traveled by bus along the street, inspected the new features, and spoke with passengers about the improvements.

For the first time in Tashkent, a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system – dedicated lanes for public transport – has been introduced, drawing on the experience of developed countries. This innovation has significantly increased bus speed and passenger comfort.

As a result of the $19.2 million project, passenger flow rose from 2,500 to 6,000 people per hour. The road’s capacity reached 40,000 vehicles per day, while the average traffic speed increased from 23 to 30 kilometers per hour.

Most importantly, road safety improved markedly, with a significant reduction in traffic accidents.

Under the project, 21 new bus stops and 463 smart traffic lights were installed, and an intelligent transport management system was implemented. In addition, the street now features parking areas, bicycle lanes, green zones, and modern irrigation and drainage systems.

At the site, the President was also presented with projects to expand the network of dedicated bus lanes and to create new transport hubs around the capital.

“If we had not built new metro lines and purchased modern buses, traffic in Tashkent today would have become extremely difficult. That is why we are improving the roads and developing public transport to make life more convenient for people. We will continue this work in all our cities”, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized.

The President instructed responsible officials to improve public transport convenience, reduce traffic congestion, and ensure effective transport connectivity between Tashkent and New Tashkent.

The renovated Shota Rustaveli Street has not only beautified the capital but has also become a symbol of Tashkent’s transition toward a modern and intelligent transport system.