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18 August, 2026   |   5 Rabī‘ al-awwal, 1448

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18 August, 2026, 5 Rabī‘ al-awwal, 1448

The first steps of diplomacy: The correspondence between Timur and Charles VI

09.10.2025   32478   3 min.
The first steps of diplomacy: The correspondence between Timur and Charles VI

At the end of the 14th century, the correspondence between the great commander Amir Timur and King Charles VI of France, along with the memoirs of the Vatican envoy Ivan Grinlon about Timur’s court, are presented at the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan. These documents represent not only a unique chapter in the history of diplomacy but also invaluable sources that introduce our nation’s scientific and cultural heritage to the world.

In the “Second Renaissance” section of the Center’s museum, early Islamic sources, medieval scholars’ manuscripts, and rare documents from the Timurid era are brought together in one space.

In the exhibition dedicated to the era of Amir Timur, every aspect of the sovereign’s activity state administration, domestic policy, and international relations is presented on a scholarly basis. Among the displayed materials are decrees, letters, and royal correspondences written in the Arabic script. One of them is a decree granted by Amir Timur to the descendants of the sayyids of Khwarazm, reflecting the great ruler’s profound respect for scholars.

“Each era has its own laws: over time, the number of artifacts decreases. Yet the survival of original sources from the period of Amir Timur is a great fortune for history”, says Sanjar G‘ulomov, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Oriental Studies, Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan.

The most captivating part of the exhibition features the correspondence between Amir Timur, King Charles VI of France, and the Vatican. Written in 1402, these letters are among the earliest examples in the history of world diplomacy. Accompanying them is the Vatican envoy Ivan Grinlon’s work “Memoirs on the Court of Amir Timur”, which provides detailed information about court life, state governance, and international relations.

These documents show that Amir Timur was not only a great military leader but also a statesman with exceptional diplomatic skill. He established active political relations with France, the Vatican, China, India, and several other nations.

It should be noted that many of the exhibits displayed in the museum are original, centuries-old artifacts that have been carefully preserved. As previously reported, the correspondence between Amir Timur and King Charles VI of France was expected to arrive in Uzbekistan, and now these historic documents have rightfully taken their place in the museum’s collection. Moreover, with the help of modern technology, visitors can view the manuscripts digitally or explore them interactively.

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UNESCO headquarters to host international presentation of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan

20.07.2026   50703   3 min.
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.