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A delegation led by the President of the Korea Overseas Infrastructure & Urban Development Corporation (KIND) visited the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, which has been included among the most anticipated museum openings on the international stage in 2026. The guests showed particular interest in the ancient city maps displayed in the museum exhibitions, the findings from Jarqo‘ton, the scientific legacy of Bayt al-Hikma, and the copy of the Holy Qur’an transcribed by Ibrahim Sultan.

The visitors were especially intrigued by the ancient city maps and historical information reflecting the pre-Islamic period in the territory of present-day Uzbekistan, presented on the “Wall of Civilizations and Discoveries.” They asked numerous questions about territorial boundaries, the locations of ancient cities, and the role of these civilizations in the development of the region.

Members of the delegation were also impressed by samples of pictographic writing, the earliest inscriptions on ceramic objects, and the replicas of archaeological finds dating back to the second millennium BCE discovered at the Jarqo‘ton site. In particular, the zigzag-shaped water-lifting device model displayed in the Khorezm civilization section was recognized as a vivid example of ancient engineering thought.

Another rare exhibit that drew the guests’ attention was a fragment of the Kofirqala gate. The intricate patterns, relief images, and symbolic decorations on this 6th-century monument sparked lively questions about their meaning and symbolism among the delegation members.

The interactive exhibit titled “The Mysterious Play of Nature,” displayed in the section dedicated to the First Renaissance, also left a strong impression on the visitors. Based on combining herbarium elements, the game was enthusiastically explored by the delegation members. In addition, information about the activities of Bayt al-Hikma, the renowned ancient center of learning, and the globe created by Abu Rayhan Beruni were acknowledged as outstanding achievements in the history of science.

The delegation also expressed deep interest in the life and scholarly legacy of Imam Bukhari, raising questions about the essence of hadith studies and its place in Islamic culture.

In the exhibitions dedicated to the Second Renaissance, the colorful miniatures featured on the Wall of Civilizations and Discoveries made a strong impression on the guests. The delicate details and harmony of colors in the images were noted as reflections of high artistic traditions. The 15th-century copy of the Holy Qur’an transcribed by Ibrahim Sultan also attracted special interest from the delegation members.

At the conclusion of the visit, the guests emphasized that the Center’s exhibitions are grounded in rich scientific scholarship and that, through interactive approaches and modern presentation methods, the history of regional civilizations is conveyed in a profound and impactful manner.

So Chanhoon, Director of the Korea Overseas Infrastructure & Urban Development Corporation (KIND):

“I am extremely pleased to have been invited here. As we toured the Center’s exhibitions, we witnessed that it exceeds even our expectations. The harmony between the heritage of ancient cultures and modern technologies is presented in a remarkably thorough and impressive way.

One of the exhibits that left the greatest impression on me was the collection of historical coins. The depiction of rulers on one side and statesmen on the other clearly reflects the harmony between historical symbolism and political culture. I saw such unique examples for the first time, and they will remain in my memory for a long time.

In my opinion, by studying history, we can draw lessons from it and shape new ideas for the future. I am confident that when the younger generation visits this place, it will open up great opportunities for them as a source of new ideas, inspiration, and motivation for exploration.”