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.
Contemporary Religious Issues Discussed
The Tashkent Islamic Institute hosted a Republican scientific-practical conference titled “Approaches in Research on Contemporary Theological and Jurisprudential Issues”.
The event brought together scholars, professors, and young researchers. The conference was opened by the Rector of the Institute, Uyg‘un G‘afurov, with a welcoming speech. The First Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Religious Affairs, Davronbek Mahsudov, and the First Deputy Chairman of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan, Homidjon Ishmatbekov, extended their best wishes for the success of the conference.
Among the topics discussed were “The Sharia Rulings on Plastic Surgery”, “Rehabilitation of Individuals Affected by Deviant Ideologies”, “Modern Jurisprudential Issues Related to E-Commerce” and “The Foundations and Characteristics of the Maturidi Doctrine” along with other pressing subjects.
Within the framework of the conference, more than 70 scientific papers on Qur’anic studies, Hadith studies, jurisprudence (fiqh), kalam, and theology were included in a special academic collection.
Press Service of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan
