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18 August, 2026   |   5 Rabī‘ al-awwal, 1448

Tashkent city
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04:08
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18 August, 2026, 5 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   34070   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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The Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan held an educational event and practical seminar for nearly 100 imams and khatibs

27.07.2026   43992   5 min.
The Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan held an educational event and practical seminar for nearly 100 imams and khatibs

The Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, in cooperation with the Imam Maturidi International Scientific Research Center, organized an educational event and practical seminar for nearly 100 imams and khatibs from Tashkent and the Namangan region, reports iccu.uz.

The participants began their visit by touring the museum exhibitions of the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, established at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

During the tour, the guests were introduced to the outstanding contributions of eminent hadith scholars, thinkers, jurists, scientists, and statesmen featured in the Center’s exhibitions to the development of global scholarship and civilization. Particular emphasis was placed on how the integration of rare manuscripts, archaeological discoveries, and digital technologies enables the presentation of historical heritage in a modern and engaging format.

Bahrom Otajonov, Imam-Khatib of the Hofiz Ko‘hakiy Jome Mosque in Tashkent, described the Center as “not merely a museum, but an educational and scholarly institution that vividly showcases the centuries-old history and civilization of the Uzbek people.” He noted that the exhibitions present the country’s statehood, scientific achievements, architecture, and spiritual heritage within a unified conceptual framework, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of Uzbekistan’s place in the development of world civilization.

“This Center is not merely a museum, but an educational and scholarly institution that vividly reflects the centuries-old history and civilization of our people. It presents, in a comprehensive manner, the major milestones in the development of human civilization as well as the remarkable legacy of our ancestors in science, statehood, architecture, and spirituality. The way the era of Amir Temur, the Holy Qur’an, secular sciences, and educational values are brought together in a single space is particularly thought-provoking. Everyone who visits this Center gains an even deeper appreciation of Uzbekistan’s rich history and its distinguished civilizational heritage,” said Bahrom Otajonov.

The imams and khatibs also visited the Center’s modern library. Its collection, comprising thousands of manuscripts, rare books, and scholarly publications, was recognized as an invaluable academic resource for scholars and young researchers specializing in Islamic studies, Maturidism, Hadith studies, Islamic jurisprudence, Qur’anic exegesis, and related disciplines.

Mansur Musaxon, Deputy Imam of the Imam Termizi Jome Mosque in the Olmazor District, described the Uthman Mushaf preserved at the Center as a priceless spiritual treasure for the entire Muslim world. He noted that presenting the legacy of the ancestors through modern museum technologies plays a vital role in strengthening the historical awareness and spiritual education of the younger generation.

“Every exhibition here embodies its own unique meaning and historical significance. One of the most remarkable aspects of the visit was seeing the original Uthman Mushaf preserved at the Center. It is an immense spiritual treasure not only for our country but for the entire Muslim world. Equally impressive is the way our ancestors’ contributions to the development of Islamic civilization are presented through modern museum approaches, offering an inspiring educational experience for the younger generation. Everyone interested in history and their cultural roots should visit this remarkable institution,” said Mansur Musaxon.

As part of the program, a practical seminar was also held with the participation of specialists in religious affairs.

Qodirkhon Azizov, Chief Imam-Khatib of Kosonsoy District, emphasized that digital management systems are enhancing efficiency and transparency in the religious sphere as well. He also noted that the Center’s library, with its extensive scholarly collection, serves as an important resource for researchers specializing in Islamic sciences.

At the conclusion of the event, the participants emphasized that the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan is evolving into far more than a museum or a cultural heritage site. They described it as a prestigious platform that brings together scholarly research, education, international cooperation, and intellectual dialogue.