It is noted that this unique project has no analogs in the country's history. Today, the majestic building has already been constructed, and the construction is in its final stages.
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The center is being built in accordance with the decree of the President dated June 23, 2017. On the holiday of Ramadan Khait in 2018, the head of state laid the first stone in its foundation.
The impressive building of the center consists of three floors and is designed in the style of ancient architectural monuments. The traditional dome and facade, along with the unique combination of national ornaments, give it a special beauty and grandeur. Four 34-meter tall portals have been erected on each side of the complex, with a dome rising to 65 meters at the center.
The heart of the center will be the Quran Hall. Here, an invaluable relic of the Islamic world – the ancient Mushaf of Uthman – will be housed. Additionally, there will be copies of the holy book created during the eras of the Samanids, Karakhanids, Khorezmshahs, Uzbek Khan, Timurids, and other historical dynasties, along with their translations into Old Uzbek, as well as rare handwritten copies of the Quran from around the world.
– Many books, ancient manuscripts, unique information, and works of art related to our rich and distinctive heritage have been scattered across different countries and remained unknown to us for a long time. Thanks to this center, we have made significant strides in studying history and discovered new sources. However, it is now essential not just to preserve them as monuments of the past, but to actively integrate them into scientific discourse, making them accessible to our citizens, especially the youth, and presenting them widely to the global community. This center should become not only a guardian of history but also an intellectual space that connects the past, present, and future, defining the key directions of our development, – emphasized Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
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The complex will feature sections titled “Pre-Islamic Civilizations,” “The Era of the First Renaissance,” “The Era of the Second Renaissance,” “Uzbekistan in the 20th Century,” and “New Uzbekistan – New Renaissance.” The President paid special attention to their scientific concept and the conditions created for them.
The history of these periods is presented through various artifacts, manuscript sources, photographs, and multimedia technologies. Special emphasis is placed on the multifaceted activities of scholars and thinkers such as Al-Khwarizmi, Al-Fergani, Al-Farabi, Al-Biruni, Ibn Sina, Mahmud Zamakhshari, Mirzo Ulughbek, Alisher Navoi, Ali Kushchi, and others. The contributions of outstanding thinkers like Imam Bukhari, Imam Tirmidhi, Hakim Tirmidhi, Abu Mansur al-Maturidi, Abu Muin Nasafi, Kaffol Shashi, Abdulhalik Gijduvani, Najmuddin Kubro, Burhaniddin Margiloni, Bahauddin Naqshband, Khoja Akhror Vali, to the development of Islamic enlightenment are thoroughly highlighted.
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Additionally, a separate section dedicated to the remarkable women of the past – Bibikhanum, Khonzodabegim, Gavharshodbegim, Gulbadan, Nodirabegim, Uvaisi, Anbar Atyn, who patronized the sciences and arts, will be organized. This exhibition will serve as an inspiring example for modern girls.
The head of state emphasized the significance and tasks of the center.
– At the core of Islamic civilization and teachings have always been science, culture, education, and upbringing. These values are the foundation of the center we are establishing. Its main goal is to unite in one place the millennia-old heritage of Islamic culture related to our country. Anyone who visits this center will witness the grandeur of this history, understand that Islam is primarily a religion of peace, progress, and tolerance, and gain a deeper understanding of the remarkable contribution of the Uzbek people to world civilization, – noted the President.
In this regard, it was emphasized that it is essential to deeply study the legacy of great ancestors and transform it into a living force capable of responding to modern challenges. It is important to scientifically and methodologically coordinate the activities of the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, research centers named after Imam Bukhari, Imam Tirmidhi, Imam Maturidi, and other scientific and educational institutions. Joint efforts are needed to develop scientific responses to pressing challenges and to combat ignorance through enlightenment.
– In the future, this center will become a symbol of our architectural school, scientific and spiritual potential of New Uzbekistan. Each of its sections should carry deep meaning and reflect this mission. Cooperation has already been established with leading foreign museums, libraries, and authoritative specialists, and scientific works and books are being published. However, it is crucial that this work is systematic and scientifically justified. Our main goal is to recognize and promote our national identity, – emphasized the head of state.
The center actively collaborates with leading international scientific organizations, including UNESCO and ICESCO. In August 2024, the VIII International Congress on the theme "The Heritage of Great Ancestors - The Foundation of the Third Renaissance" was held in Tashkent and Samarkand, gathering around 200 scholars from 35 countries. During the event, valuable proposals for further development of the center were put forward.
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After reviewing the progress of construction and the concept of the future exhibition, the President gave specific instructions on organizing the center's work, its substantive content, and further improvement.