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.
Exhibition on Creative and Pilgrimage Tourism of Uzbekistan held in Kuala Lumpur
A photo exhibition titled “Uzbekistan–Malaysia: Creative and Pilgrimage Tourism”, organized by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in cooperation with the Tourism Committee and MARA Technological University (UiTM), was held in Kuala Lumpur, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.
Event was attended by Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia Tiong King Sing, Director-General of the Islamic Tourism Centre Mohmed Faisal, as well as representatives of state agencies, the business community, tourism and cultural sectors, the diplomatic corps, and local media.
Exhibition highlighted the new pilgrimage tourism infrastructure established in the regions of Uzbekistan in recent years, alongside the outcomes of a field visit to Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khorezm regions by a group of UiTM photographers and designers conducted on August 17–31st of this year.
Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Malaysia Karomiddin Gadoev elaborated on the ongoing reforms in the fields of tourism and culture, emerging travel destinations, and investment opportunities within the country, inviting Malaysian tour operators, entrepreneurs and investors to visit Uzbekistan.
Mohmed Faisal noted the strengthening of cooperation between the two nations across pilgrimage tourism, culture, higher education, and the creative economy. He emphasized that the advancement of these sectors actively contributes to the growing influx of Malaysian tourists to Uzbekistan.
Exhibition featured photographs captured by UiTM students during their field travel to Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. The exposition also included comprehensive materials on the cultural heritage, historical monuments and traditions of the Uzbek people, alongside works of national craftsmanship and applied arts.
