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.
Bank employees from Uzbekistan complete advanced training on Islamic banking in Malaysia
Representatives of the banking and financial sector of Uzbekistan upgraded their qualifications by participating in the “Islamic Banking Window” training and practical program, organized by the Association of Shariah Advisors in Islamic Finance Malaysia (ASAS), reports Dunyo IA.
Ambassador of Uzbekistan Karomiddin Gadoev, noted that on the initiative of the Head of State, large-scale reforms to introduce Islamic finance have been launched in the country, and the adoption of the relevant law this year marked a turning point in the development of this sector. He highlighted three key advantages of the Malaysian experience: the parallel functioning of conventional and Islamic banking systems under a single regulator, centralized Shariah oversight through a single board under the Central Bank and the “Islamic window” model, which allows for the launch of Islamic financial services without establishing separate banks.
Dr. Muhd Ramadhan Fitri, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of “Maybank Islamic Berhad”, noted Uzbekistan's steps in this sector and expressed readiness to provide practical and technical support in establishing “Islamic windows” and financial infrastructure.
Head of ASAS, Makhtar Abdullah, remarked that the seminar participants had acquired advanced knowledge in the areas of Islamic finance instruments, Shariah governance and the organization of “Islamic windows” in commercial banks. Such programs, as noted in the publication, serve as a foundation for elevating Uzbek-Malaysian financial cooperation to a new stage.
