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A delegation of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) visited the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan — a grand project established on the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and based on the resolution of July 23, 2017, and built over nearly nine years. After familiarizing with this unique scientific and educational complex, the prestigious international delegation described it as “one of the most advanced and impressive museums in the world.”

At the beginning of the visit, the delegation toured the “Gallery of Great Figures,” where they showed great interest in the images of prominent scholars and historical figures depicted across 14 arches, created by hand using 110 different shades of micromosaic stones. The information presented about these artworks left a strong spiritual impression on the guests.

In the museum’s exhibition dedicated to pre-Islamic civilizations, items such as a flute made of animal bone, fragments of the “Avesta,” and displays on the history of the Great Silk Road attracted particular attention. The interactive archery exhibit, in particular, allowed visitors to vividly experience the atmosphere of that era.

In the section dedicated to the First Renaissance, exhibits such as Samarkand paper, the Kaaba covering dating back to 1988, and Kaaba keys created in Egypt during the Mamluk period in the 12th–14th centuries made a strong impression on the guests. These rare artifacts were recognized as vivid examples reflecting the high cultural and spiritual level of Islamic civilization.

In the Second Renaissance exhibition, maps of the Timurid Empire and displays on the history of chess further heightened the delegation’s interest. In particular, the section dedicated to Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur drew special respect and attention from the Indian representatives, who shared their reflections on his personality, legacy, and enduring historical values preserved through monumental structures such as the Taj Mahal.

Suresh Janghu, Deputy Director of the Executive Committee of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (India):

This center is very beautiful and modern, with extensive use of technology. Three thousand years of history are presented here, clearly demonstrating the richness of Uzbekistan’s civilization and culture. I believe this place will serve as an important educational resource for future generations, as it allows them to better understand the country’s history and how it has reached its current level of development.

This center is a forward-looking initiative of strategic importance. The extensive use of modern technologies is particularly effective in engaging young people and presenting history in a more compelling way. This approach is highly relevant today.

We had heard about this remarkable center and came to see it with our own eyes. It has been a great pleasure to be here.

In the “New Uzbekistan — Foundation of the New Renaissance” section, videos showcasing ongoing reforms left a strong impression on the guests. Members of the delegation emphasized that the large-scale transformations being carried out under the leadership of Shavkat Mirziyoyev demonstrate that the foundations of a new Renaissance are being firmly established in the country.

They also familiarized with books published on the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and presented to world leaders in the “Foreign Policy” section. Delegation members noted that they were already familiar with these publications and expressed satisfaction at seeing them collected in such a prestigious center.

Navid Anjum, Deputy Director at the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (Pakistan):

Honestly, this center is truly remarkable. The level of effort and dedication invested here is genuinely impressive. Walking through different historical periods and seeing the exhibits presented as a unified narrative creates a very powerful impression.

We have visited many places around the world, but I can say that this center is among the best I have seen. The main purpose of our visit was to gain a deeper understanding of Uzbekistan’s history and how Islam developed in this region. Anyone interested in the region’s history and the development of Islam should definitely visit this place.

The section related to Islamic history left a particularly strong impression. The part dedicated to Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur was also very engaging.

Overall, this is a very impressive place. We are very pleased to have been here. In fact, this center should be explored at a relaxed pace, dedicating at least a full day to it.

The Qur’an Hall, where the 7th-century Uthman Mushaf is housed, became the most impactful part of the visit. The delegation familiarized with 114 sacred copies of the Qur’an placed around the hall, including manuscripts from the Samanid, Karakhanid, Khwarazmshah, Timurid, and other periods, and received detailed information about their translations into ancient Uzbek script.

After detailed explanations about the Uthman Mushaf at the center of the hall, a four-minute mapping hologram — particularly the illumination of the “Iqra” revelation, the recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha, and the light show from a chandelier composed of over one million Swarovski crystals — left the delegation members deeply amazed.