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The Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan continues to attract the attention of international diplomats and scholars. While familiarizing himself with the Center’s exhibitions, built on the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Ambassador of France to Uzbekistan, Walid Fouque, described it as “a unique place that presents an important and distinctive part of Uzbekistan’s history.” During the meeting, new initiatives aimed at further developing scientific cooperation between France and Uzbekistan were also discussed.

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to Uzbekistan, Walid Fouque, visited the Islamic Civilization Center, an authorial concept recognized by the international community as an important scientific and educational platform for preserving, studying, and presenting Islamic heritage to the world. The visit was significant not only as a cultural introduction but also as a meaningful dialogue that outlined new directions for cooperation.

While carefully examining the museum exhibitions, the ambassador emphasized that the civilizational processes in the territory of Uzbekistan developed in a continuous and consistent manner. In particular, the collection of ancient clothing from the pre-Islamic period, its reconstructed style, and its presentation on a scientific basis aroused great interest among the guest.

In the First Renaissance section, the ambassador closely listened to information about the history and architectural solutions of the model of the Samanid Mausoleum prepared for exhibition. The tradition of Samarkand paper, its spread to Europe, and its role in the development of scientific and cultural relations also became a focus of discussion.

In the Second Renaissance section, the exhibitions related to the era of Amir Temur attracted special interest, especially the topic of historical correspondence between Amir Temur and the King of France, Charles VI. It was noted that these diplomatic exchanges demonstrate that relations between the two peoples have deep historical roots.

Walid Fouque, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Uzbekistan:

I am extremely pleased to have visited the Islamic Civilization Center and its museum in Uzbekistan. This center is a truly unique and important project established on the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. This place provides a deep and systematic presentation of Uzbekistan’s distinctive history from the pre-Islamic period to the Islamic era.

I encourage everyone to visit this center and see it with their own eyes. Many of the documents and exhibits displayed here are the result of fruitful cooperation between France and Uzbekistan, particularly within the framework of scientific collaboration in archaeology and history. This further enhances the Center’s international significance.

Undoubtedly, the Islamic Civilization Center presents an extremely important and unique part of Uzbekistan’s history. In this sense, it not only demonstrates historical heritage but also reveals the trials, complex periods, and the courage and resilience with which the Uzbek people endured them over the centuries. This place allows visitors to deeply understand the connection between the past and the present.

Notably, the American SMITHSONIAN magazine included the Islamic Civilization Center among the TOP 10 most anticipated museums to open. This recognition confirms the Center’s prestige not only at the national but also at the international level.

I believe this Center will achieve great success and become one of the largest and most prestigious museums in Central Asia. Considering France’s rich experience in the field of museum work, I believe there are great opportunities for expanding cooperation with France in the future and implementing new joint projects.

During the visit, a meeting was held between the Director of the Center, Firdavs Abdukhalikov, and Ambassador Walid Fouque. The parties discussed issues related to further expanding scientific cooperation between Uzbekistan and France. They exchanged views on archaeological missions being carried out in the Samarkand and Surkhandarya regions, joint projects involving French researchers, and prospects for strengthening cooperation in the field of Timurid studies.

They also discussed the possibility of establishing a special scientific space for French scholars on the second floor of the Center, organizing joint conferences and seminars, and arranging lectures and master classes for young researchers. The ambassador highly appreciated these initiatives and emphasized that such platforms for dialogue play an important role in studying and promoting cultural heritage.

At the end of the visit, the French ambassador recognized the Islamic Civilization Center as a place that is developing not only as a museum but also as an international platform for scientific and educational dialogue. The parties agreed to hold a separate meeting in the future to develop specific programs for practical cooperation.

It should be noted that, according to the official publication of the Smithsonian Institution in the United States, Smithsonian Magazine, the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan was recognized as one of the ten most anticipated museums in the world for 2026. In addition, BBC Travel included the Center among the six most anticipated museums worldwide scheduled to open in 2026.