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A delegation led by Sergey Kiriyenko, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation, visited the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan. The guests were welcomed by the Center’s Director, Firdavs Abdukhalikov.

At the beginning of the visit, members of the delegation were provided with detailed information about the main concept of the Center, its scientific and educational focus, and the content of its exhibitions, established on the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The excursion began with the Gallery of Great Figures, where historical stages were presented in a consistent sequence. The delegation members examined the exhibitions with great interest and attention, noting in particular that the Center gives broad coverage not only to Islamic culture and art, but also to science, education, and theology.

The delegation was deeply impressed by the displays reflecting various historical periods, including pre-Islamic cultural heritage, the civilizations of Bactria and Khorezm, and the history of the Great Silk Road, along with their interconnections and integrated development. Special attention was also drawn to the scientific achievements of the First Renaissance period, including the legacy of great scholars such as Abu Ali ibn Sina, Abu Rayhan Beruni, and Muhammad al-Khwarizmi.

Among the exhibits, metal artifacts from the Sogdian period — particularly a replica of a silver vessel featuring a winged camel — aroused significant interest among the guests. It was noted that the original of this piece is preserved in the collection of the State Hermitage Museum.

The delegation also visited the section dedicated to Imam Bukhari. The guests highly appreciated the modern memorial complex built near Samarkand and its large-scale development.

The exhibition dedicated to the Second Renaissance period also attracted special interest, highlighting its distinctive features and remarkable achievements in statehood, culture, and architecture.

At the end of the tour, Sergey Kiriyenko left a note in the Center’s book of honorary guests, expressing his deep impressions of the visit.

In his remarks, he emphasized the uniqueness and significance of the Center, stating:

“I express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to visit this unique Islamic Civilization Center. This Center was established on the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Here, spiritual heritage and rich history are vividly presented and fully demonstrated using modern technologies. The Islamic Civilization Center plays an important role in studying and promoting the rich heritage of the Islamic world. I wish the Center continued development and success in the future. Respectfully, S. Kiriyenko.”

The Center’s Director, Firdavs Abdukhalikov, presented the distinguished guest with a facsimile copy of the Divan of Husayn Bayqara, transcribed in Herat in 1510, on behalf of the Center. The book includes ghazals of the great Timurid ruler Husayn Bayqara in the Turkic language, as well as four rare miniatures created by Kamoliddin Behzod.

The members of the delegation highly praised the activities of the Center, recognizing it as a unique scientific and educational institution, and expressed their desire to visit it again in the future.