Center for Islamic Civilization in Tashkent nears completion

The construction of the Center for Islamic Civilization – one of Uzbekistan’s largest cultural and educational projects – is nearing completion. On October 20, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev toured the complex and examined the progress of interior finishing and museum exhibition setup.

The project was launched in 2018 at the initiative of the president. Its architectural concept combines the traditions of Islamic architecture with modern museum design. The building reflects national style, with four grand portals rising 34 meters high and a central dome reaching 65 meters.

Inside, the center features exhibition halls equipped with interactive technologies. The focal point is the Hall of the Holy Quran, which will house one of the world’s oldest manuscripts – the Quran of Uthman. The hall will also showcase rare handwritten versions of sacred texts created during the Samanid, Karakhanid, Khwarazmian, and Timurid eras, as well as their translations into Old Uzbek.

The museum’s exhibitions trace key stages of the nation’s spiritual and scientific heritage – from pre-Islamic civilization and historical renaissances to the modern era of “New Uzbekistan.”

Special attention is devoted to the lives and contributions of eminent scholars such as Imam Bukhari, Imam Termizi, Abu Mansur Maturidi, and Bahauddin Naqshband. One of the halls also highlights the role of prominent female figures and patrons, including Bibikhonim, Nodirabegim, Uvaysi, and Anbar O‘tin.

As part of the project, unique historical artifacts and manuscripts previously kept abroad have been repatriated to Uzbekistan upon the president’s initiative. The complex also includes a modern 460-seat conference hall designed for international events and academic forums.

During his visit, President Mirziyoyev underscored the importance of presenting information in an accessible and engaging way for both local and foreign visitors. He instructed officials to strengthen the training of qualified guides, expand scholarly cooperation with Islamic academies, and continue enriching the exhibitions with new content.