A School of Calligraphy has been established at the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan

The Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan has announced the establishment of a School of Calligraphy.

This important scientific and educational project was presented during a seminar titled “Calligraphic Heritage of the Timurid Era — Continuity of Traditions,” dedicated to the 690th anniversary of the birth of the great commander Amir Temur.

The seminar brought together leading experts in Islamic art, history, and philology, becoming an important platform for a comprehensive discussion of the spiritual and cultural significance of calligraphy.

— The initiative to establish the School of Calligraphy at the Center of Islamic Civilization was put forward by the respected President of our country, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, on January 29, 2025. A year later, this initiative received broad support from international organizations, and during the conference dedicated to the Timurid civilization, the project was officially launched. The creation of the School of Calligraphy is a logical continuation of large-scale reforms aimed at preserving and promoting our country’s cultural heritage, — noted Firdavs Abdukhaliqov in his speech to the participants of the event.

As highlighted during the seminar, calligraphy reached its highest level of development during the Timurid era and became a symbol of cultural flourishing. According to the data presented by scholars, after establishing a centralized state, Amir Temur gathered the finest calligraphers from various regions in the capital. Writing styles such as thuluth, nasta’liq, and the Kufic script reached their peak. Outstanding works were created, including the famous “Baysunghur Quran” manuscript.

International experts highly appreciated the initiative. In particular, IRCICA Director General Mahmud Erol Kılıç emphasized the role of Islamic calligraphy in world culture and its high aesthetic and spiritual value. Chairman of the Turkish Manuscripts Institution Coşkun Yılmaz presented information on rare manuscripts preserved in the Süleymaniye Library, noting that a significant part of them is connected with the history of Central Asia. Director of the Al-Furqan Islamic Heritage Foundation, Sali Shahsuwari (United Kingdom), described the Timurid era as a true period of intellectual and cultural renaissance.

It was noted that the School of Calligraphy will function not only as an educational institution, but also as a research and cultural center. Its activities will include training specialists, preserving and restoring manuscript heritage, and developing international cooperation.