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.
UNESCO headquarters to host international presentation of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan
A series of working meetings dedicated to preparations for the international presentation of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan and the contribution of the region's great scholars and thinkers to the development of world civilization was held in Paris with the support of the Permanent Delegation of Uzbekistan to UNESCO, reports Dunyo IA.
The presentation is an initiative of the President of Uzbekistan aimed at introducing the international community to the country's rich scientific and cultural heritage, the activities of its specialized research institutions, and the religious and educational reforms being implemented nationwide.
During meetings with representatives of UNESCO, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the Uzbek delegation presented the concept for an international conference and exhibition planned to be held at UNESCO Headquarters. The events are expected to bring together UNESCO Member States, international organizations, scholars, and experts.
Mariagrazia Squicciarini, Head of UNESCO's Executive Office, welcomed the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, emphasizing its importance in strengthening dialogue among nations. She highly praised the country's efforts to study and promote the legacy of its outstanding scholars and thinkers, underscoring the unifying role of education, science, and culture, and reaffirmed the readiness of UNESCO's relevant departments to contribute to the preparation of the event.
Mehrdad Shabahang, Head of UNESCO's Silk Roads Programme, highlighted the historic role of Uzbekistan and Central Asia in the transmission of knowledge and the development of cultural ties between East and West. He also expressed the programme's readiness to provide relevant materials to support preparations for the conference and exhibition.
Salima Delibey, Representative of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to UNESCO, highly commended Uzbekistan's reforms in the field of religious enlightenment, as well as the work of the Center of Islamic Civilization and the country's international research centers. She confirmed the OIC's readiness to support the forthcoming events.
Soumia Jakta, Permanent Observer of ICESCO to UNESCO, stressed the significance of Uzbekistan's scientific and cultural heritage for the international community and reaffirmed the organization's willingness to participate in preparations for the conference and exhibition.
Following the meetings, representatives of UNESCO, the OIC, and ICESCO reaffirmed their support for Uzbekistan's initiative and expressed their readiness to assist in organizing the events at a high international level.
The international presentation is intended to showcase Uzbekistan's scientific and cultural heritage as an integral part of world civilization and to serve as a platform for strengthening dialogue among nations through education, science, and culture.
