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.
Professional Development Courses for Faculty of the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan Conclude in Cairo
Faculty members of the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan have successfully completed a two-week professional development course on “Developing Skills in Applying Innovative Approaches to Learning and Teaching the Arabic Language”, hosted by the “Al-Azhar” International Academy for Training Imams, Preachers and Fatwa Researchers, reports Dunyo IA.
Courses were organized as part of the initiatives of the Grand Imam of “Al-Azhar”, Professor Dr. Ahmed el-Tayeb, aimed at enhancing the professional qualifications of scholars, researchers, and faculty members worldwide, as well as strengthening international scientific and academic cooperation.
During the training, participants attended lectures and engaged in practical sessions and seminars focusing on modern strategies for teaching the Arabic language, innovative pedagogical approaches and the practical development of language competencies.
The solemn closing ceremony was attended by Professor Hassan as-Saghir, President of the “Al-Azhar” International Academy, along with a representative from the Embassy of Uzbekistan. In his address, Professor Hassan as-Saghir commended the participants' dedication to acquiring new knowledge and their active engagement in the educational process, emphasizing that such programs foster scientific potential and advance Islamic enlightenment on an international scale.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, authors of the outstanding practical projects developed during the course received special recognition. Subsequently, the faculty members of the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan were formally presented with certificates of completion.
