Through regional studios, representatives of the older generation and the wider public took part in the ceremony. Also in attendance were representatives of various nationalities and religious denominations, as well as members of the diplomatic corps and international organizations.
At the beginning of the event, the Head of State once again sincerely congratulated the entire nation on the holy month of Ramadan. Gratitude was expressed to the Almighty for the country observing these blessed days in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
The month of Ramadan is a symbol of care, compassion, and good deeds. State and non-governmental organizations, including the National Agency for Social Protection, the Mahallas Association, the “Waqf” fund of the Muslim Board, and the “Inson” centers, as well as entrepreneurs, are providing moral and material assistance to the elderly and those in need, persons with disabilities, and low-income families. Medical teams travel to remote and hard-to-reach areas, conducting examinations of women, children, and veterans, and performing surgeries on those in serious condition.
It was noted that these good deeds contribute to enhancing human dignity and strengthening an atmosphere of peace and national unity in society.
The Head of State emphasized the need for a deeper understanding of the truly priceless value of peace in today’s turbulent times, noting that the greatest wealth lies in the fact that the country’s population of more than 38 million lives as a united and harmonious family.
The participation of representatives of the diplomatic corps in Uzbekistan in the event was perceived as a manifestation of respect for the values of our religion, humanism and tolerance, as well as for the state’s policy of openness.
It was especially noted that this day marks another historic event for our people, the official opening ceremony of the Centre for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan.
“I sincerely congratulate all of you on this historic event, as the dreams and aspirations of many generations of our ancestors have come true — a celebration of science, spirituality, and enlightenment.
I congratulate all of you, our entire nation, on the creation of such a unique and magnificent complex, which stands as a vivid reflection of our glorious three-thousand-year history, rich culture, and the great opportunities of the New Uzbekistan,” said the President.
As was noted, to build the foundation of a developed state and a free society in the country, the highest goal is the implementation of the principle “science and education—first and foremost.” After all, this is what our sacred religion calls for. In this context, the inscription of the Qur’anic verse “Iqra!”—“Read!”—on the Ulugbek Portal at the Centre for Islamic Civilisation carries deep symbolic meaning.
The noble initiative to establish the Centre, announced at the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly, received broad support from the international community, particularly the Islamic world. The project was implemented without haste, thoughtfully, and in accordance with scientific research and studies.
As a result, an entire eastern-style town with a unique architectural appearance, imbued with national spirit, has emerged next to the Hazrati Imam complex.
At the Center, within a single educational space, one can simultaneously see the treasures of Uzbekistan’s ancient history and civilisation and clearly witness the intellectual and cultural potential of the Uzbek people.
“Here, every visitor, especially young people, will be able to better understand the true values of Islam and realise the great heritage to which we are heirs,” the President noted.
It was emphasized that, in order to more deeply study and promote the spiritual heritage not only of our country but of the entire vast region worldwide, it was decided to present it under the unified title Islamic Civilization. It was noted that, according to international experts, Uzbekistan has demonstrated to the world that a distinctive scientific school for the study and promotion of the heritage of Islamic civilization is being formed in the country, supported by significant intellectual potential.
Touching upon the scale and capabilities of the Center, the President noted that this unique complex is located on a site of nearly 10 hectares, with a total usable area of 50,000 square metres. Exhibition halls such as The Pre-Islamic Period on the Land of Uzbekistan, The First and Second Renaissance, and New Uzbekistan—the Foundation of the Third Renaissance have been created here.
Significant work has been carried out to develop and enrich the museum’s exhibitions. Last year alone, more than 1,500 exhibits were added, including around 800 ancient manuscripts, archaeological finds, and historical maps. It was stressed that cooperation has been established with foreign auction houses, major collectors, and art dealers, and 743 original exhibits have been repatriated to the country.
In the main hall of the Center—the Hall of the Holy Qur’an—one of the six oldest Qur’ans in the world, the Mushaf of Uthman, has taken its rightful place. Rare Qur’anic manuscripts from different periods are also preserved here.
As was noted, the Center for Islamic Civilization has already attracted significant interest among thousands of foreign guests. Among them were heads of state and government, parliamentarians, deputies, senators, ministers, ambassadors, scientists and public figures, as well as heads of religious organisations. Highly qualified specialists from France, China, Great Britain, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, Turkey, Germany, Spain, Italy, Malaysia, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, India, Central Asian countries, and a number of other countries also took an active part in the design, construction of the Center, and the equipping of the complex with modern information technologies.
The Head of State expressed sincere gratitude to the skilled designers, builders and engineers, scientists and ulema, foreign partners and experts, particularly members of the World Society for the Study, Preservation and Popularisation of the Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan, as well as to all those who made a worthy contribution to the creation of the complex. Special thanks were also extended to domestic and foreign entrepreneurs, as well as cultural and sports figures who provided sponsorship for the construction of this grand complex.
“When we began the construction of the Center for Islamic Civilisation, I set myself the goal of finding and bringing to our country any manuscript or artefact related to our history, wherever in the world it might be. Today, praise be to the Almighty, we have achieved this goal, and we will certainly continue this work,” the Head of State said.
It was noted that new international scientific expeditions will be organized to identify and study rare manuscripts stored in different countries of the world. Domestic and foreign scientists and the world’s leading scientific centers will be involved in this work.
It was emphasized that, in order to expand the scope of the Center’s activities, offices of organisations such as ICESCO, IRCICA, the Oxford Center for Islamic Studies, the Association for the Study of the History and Art of the Timurid Era in France, and TURKSOY have been established here on the basis of international cooperation. It is planned to create all the necessary conditions to strengthen cooperation with them.
It was noted that the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan has also been provided with a new residence at the Center. The expediency of organising work here for the in-depth study of Islamic heritage, the improvement of the qualifications of religious figures and imam-khatibs, and the development of international cooperation was emphasized.
In the near future, it is planned to hold a presentation of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan and the international research centers of Imam Bukhari, Imam Termezi, and Imam Maturidi at the UN headquarters.
The President particularly noted that the Center will become a fundamental platform for spiritual and educational activities. It is here that senior students of the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan will be trained, and teachers will enhance their knowledge and qualifications. Most importantly, the Center should become a strong spiritual support for young people, contributing to the emergence of new Khwarizmis, Berunis and Ulugbeks, Ferganis and Ibn Sinas, Bukharis and Termezis among us.
In this regard, the Head of State addressed scientists and researchers, poets and writers, religious figures and ulema, directors and artists, journalists, and creative youth.
“May your scientific research, works of fiction, film and theatrical productions, paintings and broadcasts, inspired by this unique heritage, resonate across the world as the voice of our people’s three-thousand-year history and culture. May they present the New Uzbekistan to the world as a country of peace and goodness, knowledge and enlightenment, and contribute to the upbringing of our youth,” said the President.
In conclusion, the President expressed confidence that the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan will remain a lasting platform of peace, goodness, knowledge, and enlightenment, providing opportunities for both our people and the wider international community.
At the iftar ceremony, surahs from the Holy Qur’an were recited and prayers were offered, asking the Almighty to accept the fasts and prayers observed during the holy month of Ramadan, and to protect our Motherland and people.