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.
The Muslim World League (MWL) is an independent international organization comprising members from various Islamic countries and sects. Headquartered in Makkah, its mission is to clarify the true image of Islam and foster friendship among peoples.
Establishment:
The MWL was established by a resolution issued by the General Islamic Conference held in Makkah on May 18, 1962 (corresponding to 14 Dhu al-Hijjah 1381 AH).
The MWL Serves as a Member in:
Its Charter:
We, the members of the Muslim World League, representing the MWL with faith and conviction, pledge to Almighty Allah to:
The MWL’s Objectives and Methods of Implementation:
The MWL pursues its goals through means that fully comply with Islamic law, including the following:
Financial Management:
The Muslim World League relies on its endowments for financial management.
Investments derived from these endowments constitute a major source of funding for the organization.
The General Secretariat:
The General Secretariat of the Muslim World League serves as the executive arm of the organization. It oversees the day-to-day operations of the League and implements the policies and resolutions adopted by the Supreme Council. This is carried out under the leadership of the Secretary-General, with the support of assistant secretaries and the general administrative staff.
Headquarters:
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Makkah, Al-Aqaba District
P.O. Box 537
Tel: +966-12-5309444
Fax: +966-12-5601319 / +966-12-5601267