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.
“Discover Pakistan” TV channel airs special program about Spiritual and Educational Heritage of Uzbekistan
A special program dedicated to the First International Forum of Islamic Civilization held in Uzbekistan was broadcast on the popular Pakistani TV channel “Discover Pakistan”, reports Dunyo IA.
Television project in the Urdu language was prepared by the creative team of the “Discover Pakistan” TV channel, which participated in the work of the First International Forum of Islamic Civilization.
The program extensively covers the main outcomes of the forum, its international significance, as well as Uzbekistan's activities in preserving the heritage of Islamic civilization and the ongoing reforms in the country's spiritual and educational sphere.
It was noted that the forum has become an authoritative international platform, uniting renowned scholars, religious figures, as well as state and public figures from various countries around the world. It was emphasized that within the framework of the event, important initiatives were put forward aimed at promoting the ideas of religious tolerance, interethnic harmony and enlightened Islam, as well as strengthening spiritual and educational approaches in countering extremism and radicalism.
Particular attention in the program was paid to the large-scale reforms implemented in the spiritual and educational sphere under the leadership of the President of Uzbekistan, the study of the rich heritage of great thinkers, the support of scientific research, and the promotion of the unique legacy of Islamic culture and civilization on the international arena.
Audience was also presented with detailed information on the contribution of Samarkand, Tashkent and Termez as recognized centers of science and enlightenment to the development of world Islamic civilization.
Program included interviews with a number of foreign scholars and experts who participated in the forum. They noted that the forum plays an important role in further strengthening cultural and humanitarian cooperation between states and peoples, as well as in promoting the principles of religious tolerance and mutual respect.
According to the television program host, the initiatives put forward within the framework of the forum received positive assessment from the international community and contribute to the development of science, education and intercultural dialogue.
“Open and constructive foreign policy of Uzbekistan, as well as the country’s efforts to create international platforms for dialogue, received high praise”, program notes.
Special program broadcast on the “Discover Pakistan” TV channel allowed the Pakistani audience to become closer acquainted with the rich spiritual and enlightenment heritage of Uzbekistan and the substance of the First International Forum of Islamic Civilization.
