The President of Uzbekistan reviewed the achievements and future plans of the Center of Islamic Civilization

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on the achievements of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan and its future development plans, Dunyo News Agency reports.

According to the Presidential Press Service, special attention is being paid in Uzbekistan to strengthening national identity, promoting a deeper understanding of the country's rich historical and spiritual heritage, and raising international awareness of the scholarly legacy of the nation's great thinkers and scientists. In this context, the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan is being developed as a modern cultural and educational platform of national and international significance.

The presentation highlighted the Center’s achievements since the start of its operations.

The Center officially opened its doors in its landmark building on March 17 this year. As of June 1, it had welcomed more than 500,000 domestic and international visitors. The average daily attendance stands at approximately 6,000 people. During this period, the Center hosted more than 150 foreign delegations and over 2,000 international guests.

A Children’s Museum has been established within the Center, while the innovative Imam Bukhari Museum has commenced operations. The building also houses the International Imam Maturidi Research Center. Professional guide and visitor services have been organized to enhance the visitor experience.

A total of 810 scientific and innovative projects have been implemented, involving nearly 2,000 scholars and researchers from Uzbekistan and abroad.

The Center regularly hosts conferences, seminars, roundtables, master classes, and book presentations. More than 5,000 participants have taken part in these events to date.

Significant progress has also been achieved in the repatriation of cultural heritage. More than 1,000 artifacts have been returned to Uzbekistan. The Center’s library collection continues to expand and currently contains over 3,000 rare publications, including 762 editions adapted for persons with disabilities. The collection is being digitized and equipped with electronic identification systems.

Modern technologies and digital innovations have been widely introduced into the Center’s operations. Robotic guides have been acquired for visitors, while multimedia and interactive devices have been installed throughout the exhibitions.

The Center has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the “Largest Museum of Islamic Civilization in the World.”

The presentation also addressed the Center’s future development agenda.

Particular attention was paid to advancing research and publishing activities. Plans include securing the inclusion of the Center’s academic journal in the Scopus and Web of Science databases, establishing an integrated platform connecting research institutions, and developing a digital catalog of manuscripts.

In addition, the “Islamic Enlightenment” scholarship program will be launched for master’s and doctoral students in the religious and educational fields. Presentations of books by internationally renowned scholars and experts are also planned. At the next stage, the Center aims to engage 20,000 young people and representatives of the religious and educational community, including imams and female religious educators.

Further measures to facilitate the return of cultural heritage were also discussed. Participants emphasized the need to establish a permanent mechanism for identifying, researching, evaluating, negotiating, and repatriating rare artifacts related to Uzbekistan that are held in museums, private collections, international auctions, and art markets worldwide.

Plans were also outlined to introduce continuous global monitoring of Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage, create a unified digital database and international registry of cultural heritage objects, and establish a state-of-the-art research laboratory unique in Central Asia.

Work will continue on collections related to Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage preserved in countries such as China, the United States, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.

The meeting also reviewed measures to strengthen the Center’s international outreach and media presence.

The First International Islamic Forum, titled “Islamic Civilization: The Path of Peace, Tolerance and Enlightenment,” is planned to be held. Special presentations dedicated to the Center of Islamic Civilization and the scholarly legacy of Imam Bukhari, Imam Maturidi, and Imam Termizi are also scheduled to take place at United Nations offices in New York and Geneva, as well as at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.

Instructions were given to organize presentations of the Center in 55 countries, hold an international conference and exhibition on “The Role of Women in Islam,” and implement joint educational and research projects with the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, ICESCO, IRCICA, TÜRKSOY, and other international organizations.

To strengthen cooperation with foreign journalists and international media organizations, press tours, international media clubs, and media forums will be organized. Photo exhibitions, thematic presentations, and roundtable discussions will also be held at diplomatic missions abroad to further enhance the Center’s global profile.

The meeting additionally discussed measures aimed at improving facilities and services for pilgrims and tourists visiting the Imam Bukhari Memorial Complex, including better organization of visits, improved information support, and enhanced guide services.

The President approved the proposed initiatives and stressed that the Center of Islamic Civilization should serve as a platform showcasing to the world the rich cultural heritage of the Uzbek people, their traditions of enlightenment, and the spiritual renaissance of New Uzbekistan.

Relevant officials were instructed to ensure the systematic development of the Center’s activities, expand research and publishing efforts, establish a permanent mechanism for the return of cultural heritage, enrich museum collections, accelerate digital transformation, and elevate international media promotion to a new level.