Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 29 January, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan visited the Islamic Civilization Center, where he reviewed the ongoing construction and the concept for the future exhibition. This unique project has no analogs in the country’s history. The grand building of the center has already been erected, and construction is nearing completion.

The center is being built in accordance with a presidential decree from 23 June 2017, with the first stone laid by the head of state on the day of the Ramadan holiday in 2018. The building consists of three floors and is designed in the style of ancient architectural monuments. Special attention has been given to the traditional dome and facade, while unique national ornaments enhance the beauty and grandeur of the structure. The complex includes 34-meter portals on all four sides and a central dome towering at 65 meters.

The heart of the center will be the Quran Hall, which will house the oldest Mushaf of Uthman and copies of the Quran created during various historical periods, including the Samanids, Karakhanids, Khwarezmians, Timurids, and other dynasties. Rare handwritten copies of the Quran from around the world will also be displayed.

The President noted that thanks to the center, Uzbekistan has made significant strides in studying history by discovering new sources. However, the main task now is not only to preserve these works but also to actively incorporate them into scientific circulation and make them accessible, particularly to young people. Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized that the center should become not just a repository of history, but also an intellectual space connecting the past, present, and future, determining key directions for the country’s development.

The center will feature various sections, such as "Pre-Islamic Civilizations," "The Age of the First Renaissance," "The Age of the Second Renaissance," "Uzbekistan in the 20th Century," and "New Uzbekistan – New Renaissance." Special emphasis will be placed on the works of scholars and thinkers like Al-Khwarizmi, Al-Fergani, Al-Farabi, Ibn Sina, Mahmud al-Zamakhshari, and others. The contributions of Islamic scholars, such as Imam Bukhari and Imam Tirmidhi, to the development of Islamic enlightenment will also be highlighted.

Additionally, a separate section will be created to inspire modern women, focusing on outstanding women from the past, such as Bibikhanym, Khonzodabegim, Gawkhershodbegim, and others, who supported the sciences and arts.

The President emphasized that the core values embedded in the center are science, culture, education, and upbringing. The goal of the project is to unite the millennia-old legacy of Islamic culture and demonstrate the contribution of the Uzbek people to world civilization.

Moreover, Shavkat Mirziyoyev highlighted the importance of developing scientific and research centers, such as the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, and creating scientific responses to contemporary challenges through education.

The center is actively developing connections with international scientific organizations, including UNESCO and ICESCO. In 2024, the VIII International Congress was held in Tashkent and Samarkand, where proposals for the center’s development were put forward.

Additionally, the President reviewed a presentation on the development of Tashkent’s tourism potential. Large-scale tourism projects are underway in the capital, including the creation of tourist attractions in various districts of the city, including the Old City. One such project is the creation of a thematic tourist street in the Gulbozor neighborhood, near the Chorsu Bazaar, as well as the beautification of Abdulla Qodiri Park. Gastronomic and tourist streets are also planned in the Almazar district.

These transformations will lead to the creation of new jobs and an increase in tourist traffic. The President instructed to strengthen support for entrepreneurs and artisans, as well as organize tourist routes to make journeys around the capital more enriching and exciting.