HISTORICALLY, Uzbekistan has been famous for its rich culture, humanistic traditions and diversified civilizations since ancient times.
It has been a connecting hub for noble human wisdom, wizards and wonderful personalities clearly demonstrating the real essence of its knowledge based society, logic based persuasion and immense socio-economic potential disseminating the spirit of survival, stability, sustainability and smart living. Remarkably, Uzbekistan is again going to become a landmark country in Central Asia because of its newly built "the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan (CIC)." It is poised to become a landmark of cultural and scientific significance, located within the historically rich Hazrat Imam Complex in Tashkent. Hence it will be an ideal platform for multiculturalism, ethnic diversity, tolerance, inter-faith harmony and last but not least scientific knowledge.
It seems that completion of the CIC has rightly placed the Republic of Uzbekistan alongside the world's greatest cultural institutions i.e. the Louvre in Paris, Smithsonian Institution in Washington and the Arab World Institute in Paris combining museum, major research complex, presenting and preserving Islamic civilization as a dynamic force of creativity and dialogue and last but not least, science, innovative technologies, library and educational centres in a single space created in the heart of the Islamic world inspiring a new generation of researchers, scientists and thinkers.
The CIC was established by a decree from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on 23 June 2017 and the project advanced significantly on 15 June 2018, during Eid al-Fitr, when its cornerstone was laid. Scheduled to open to the public in November 2025, the CIC reflects Uzbekistan's strong commitment to preserving and celebrating the nation's rich Islamic heritage. Designed by the esteemed architect Abdukahhor Turdiyev, it spans 7.5 hectares and seamlessly blends traditional Uzbek architecture with modern advancements. The three-storied building, covering an impressive 42,000 square metres, features a striking 65-metre dome that enhances the Tashkent skyline, making it a new jewel in Uzbekistan's architectural beauty, assembling the past with the present and inching towards a prosperous future of human fraternity, constructive civilizational dialogue, peaceful conflict resolution and the renewal and revival of Islamic heritage.
Evidently, the artworks, meticulously curated by a team of historians, architects and artisans, promise an engaging introduction to the country's past, exploring and upholding the remarkable contributions of scholars and thinkers throughout Islamic history, particularly in science, culture and education. Moreover, the CIC promotes real humanism, respect for national history and tolerance among youth, fostering peace and coexistence for a more harmonious and tolerant future. In close collaboration with esteemed international organizations such as UNESCO and ISESCO, it enhances understanding and cooperation among diverse cultures and religions, serving as an ideal platform for intercultural and interfaith dialogue. By promoting holistic and comprehensive education, it counters extremism while illuminating Islam's peaceful tenets and emphasizing values of tolerance, progress and harmony.
The CIC features five main sections: Pre-Islamic Civilizations, The First Renaissance Period, The Second Renaissance and the Khanate Period, Uzbekistan in the 20th Century and The New Renaissance, New Uzbekistan, representing civilizational connectivity, historic productivity, cultural positivity, heritage participation and knowledge prominence for greater mutual understanding, respect for humanity, dignity and development. The CIC provides spaces for cultural and educational activities, including a restoration laboratory, conference rooms and offices for international organizations such as UNESCO, ISESCO and branches of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, alongside over 100 scientific institutions, museums and libraries from Turkey, Russia and Central Asia. As a global hub for Islamic cultural heritage, it will host exhibitions featuring collections from renowned institutions like the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, the Süleymaniye Library in Turkey, the Azret-Sultan Complex in Kazakhstan and the Bologna University Library in Italy, playing a crucial role in addressing modern extremism, promoting peace through education and serving as a vital platform for global dialogue and understanding.
Uzbekistan is strengthening its role as one of the prominent centers of Islamic civilization by building the CIC in Tashkent. It has become a symbol of the revival of Islamic heritage as well as Central Asia's contribution to the global community. Therefore, the CIC has been dubbed as a national pride as well as a global dialogue window. It appears that Uzbekistan President H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev made CIC a strategic project not only to strengthen the nation's identity, but also to spread the value of tolerance, enlightenment and progress of Islam throughout the world.
The presence of Mushaf Utsmani, one of the oldest manuscripts of the Qur'an in the world that UNESCO recognizes as a world heritage makes CIC not only a museum, but also a spiritual witness to the long journey of Islamic civilization. It is a good omen that Uzbekistan has sent a strong message to the world: Central Asia is not just a guardian of Islamic heritage, but also a new motorbike for intellectual revival and global culture.
Most recently, more than 200 international experts from around the world gathered in Uzbekistan to review progress on one of the most important developments in the study and preservation of Islamic civilization and heritage. They all termed it a milestone for Islamic heritage showcasing. While visiting the site, President Mirziyoyev termed it historic, serving his countrymen for centuries and each of its patterns will go down in history. Moreover, President Mirziyoyev described the project as a cultural and spiritual initiative showing Islam as a sacred religion consisting of goodness, humanism and enlightenment." Moreover, speaking to the UN General Assembly, the president noted that by consistently pursuing a policy of tolerance in society, Uzbekistan will actively continue its efforts to study the ideas of Islamic enlightenment and promote them worldwide.
-- The writer is President, the Centre for Knowledge and Public Policy, Regional Expert: China, CPEC, BRI & World Affairs.