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.
Tourism companies of Uzbekistan take part in an International Exhibition in Riyadh
“WTM Spotlight Riyadh 2026” international tourism exhibition took place in the capital of Saudi Arabia, with the participation of representatives from the tourism industry of Uzbekistan, reports Dunyo IA.
Our country was represented at the exhibition by tourism companies “Asialuxe Travel”, “Zamin DMC” and “Bazar Travel”, which participated in the business program and held a series of meetings with representatives of the tourism business of Saudi Arabia and other nations.
“WTM Spotlight Riyadh” has emerged as a premier professional platform for engagement between the Saudi Arabian tourism market and international partners. The exhibition brought together representatives of tour operating businesses, destination management companies, the hospitality sector, the aviation industry, travel technologies and other industry fields. The event was attended by regional and international visitors, over 450 exhibitors and representatives from more than 30 countries.
Over the course of three days, representatives of Uzbek companies held business meetings and negotiations with Saudi tour operators, travel agencies, and other market participants. Meetings focused on the prospects for developing partnership programs, increasing the tourist flow from Saudi Arabia to Uzbekistan and establishing new joint tourism products.
Particular attention was paid to promoting Uzbekistan as an attractive destination for cultural, historical, family, premium, and bespoke tourism. Saudi partners were introduced to the tourism opportunities of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Tashkent and other regions of the country, historical heritage of the Great Silk Road, modern hospitality infrastructure, national cuisine, as well as capabilities for organizing tailored individual and group tour itineraries.
Representatives of the Uzbek tourism industry also discussed with their Saudi partners matters concerning visitor reception logistics, the development of specialized routes aligned with the preferences of travellers from the Gulf States and the further promotion of Uzbekistan's tourism potential in the Saudi Arabian market.
Participation of Uzbek tourism companies in “WTM Spotlight Riyadh 2026” provided an additional opportunity to expand direct contacts with representatives of the Kingdom's tourism business and explore new avenues of cooperation. Following the meetings, the parties expressed mutual interest in continuing business contacts and implementing joint projects aimed at increasing the reciprocal tourist flow between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia.
