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.
“Kyiv Diplomatic”: Bukhara strengthens its position as an International Cultural Centre
Today ancient Bukhara is once again strengthening its position as an international cultural centre and experiencing a new stage of cultural and tourism development, reports Dunyo IA correspondent, citing with reference to the Ukrainian magazine “Kyiv Diplomatic”.
Publication notes that the American newspaper “The New York Times” published an article dedicated to Bukhara, one of the oldest cities in Uzbekistan. For more than a thousand years, Bukhara remained one of the most important centres of the Great Silk Road, connecting the East and the West. Trade routes passed through the city, along which jewellery, textiles, porcelain, and other valuable goods were transported. From the 8th to the 13th centuries, Bukhara became one of the largest intellectual and cultural centres of the Islamic world, where outstanding scholars, architects, mathematicians and artists worked.
Authors of the publication pay particular attention to the city’s rich historical and architectural heritage. Bukhara has preserved the ancient Ark Fortress, mausoleums, madrasas, mosques with distinctive turquoise domes, and other landmarks, many of which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. More than 140 sites of the historic center are located within walking distance of one another, making the city one of the best-preserved historical complexes in Central Asia.
According to the publication, today Bukhara is once again strengthening its position as an international cultural center. One of the most important events was the first Bukhara Biennial of Contemporary Art, held in the autumn of last year. As part of the project, artists from Uzbekistan and other countries created works specifically for the city’s historic spaces, collaborated with local artisans and participated in joint cultural initiatives.
As noted in the publication, the organization of the Biennial contributed not only to the promotion of cultural heritage but also to the development of tourism infrastructure. New hotels, restaurants, cultural spaces and shops are opening in Bukhara, catering to the growing interest of international travellers.
“The New York Times” also presented its own city guide, recommending that tourists visit historical landmarks, including the Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace, Chor-Bakr Memorial Complex, Baland Mosque and Khoja Zayniddin Sufi Complex.
