News

A delegation led by Stefano Berterame, Secretary of the International Narcotics Control Board, visited the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan. The guests closely familiarized with all exhibition halls of the Center’s museum and highly appreciated the rich historical and cultural heritage on display.

The main goal of the Center, established on the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, is to deeply study and widely promote the three-thousand-year rich history of our people, their creative potential, their great contribution to world civilization, and the cultural and educational heritage of our great ancestors. It was particularly emphasized that the visit of the delegation fully aligns with these high objectives.

The guests showed special interest in the ancient Bactria section dedicated to the pre-Islamic period. This region has historically been recognized as one of the centers of religious tolerance. According to sources, during the Kushan Empire, which ruled for nearly 400 years, a significant portion of the world’s population lived in this region. At that time, places of worship belonging to different religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Zoroastrianism functioned side by side, demonstrating that a high level of religious tolerance existed in this land even two thousand years ago. The Buddha statues, models of ancient temples, and unique gold artifacts from Bactria displayed in the exhibition made a strong impression on the delegation members.

The hall dedicated to the First Renaissance period also attracted the guests’ attention. Here, models of architectural monuments such as the Samanid Mausoleum, the Magoki Attori Mosque, the Chashmai Ayub Mausoleum, and the Qusamiya Madrasa are exhibited. In addition, exquisite jewelry from the Seljuk period and a state emblem featuring a double-headed eagle also aroused great interest. It is worth noting that these unique artifacts were returned from foreign countries on the initiative of the President and have become an integral part of our national heritage.

The delegation members also familiarized with the exposition of the Second Renaissance period and the section titled “New Uzbekistan — the Foundation of a New Renaissance,” where they received detailed information about the large-scale reforms and the ongoing processes of spiritual and educational development in the country.

Stefano Berterame, Secretary of the International Narcotics Control Board:

“This Center stands out for its uniqueness. It not only gathers historical artifacts and exhibits but is also aimed at providing visitors with deep knowledge about Islam, its history, and the civilization on the territory of Uzbekistan.

Most notably, this museum is not limited to observation alone — visitors have the opportunity to closely engage with some exhibits and even touch them.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev appears to have a comprehensive strategic vision for the future of the entire country. I also participated in a conference in Samarkand dedicated to combating drug trafficking. In addition, I met with representatives of the Ministry of Health and familiarized with the ongoing work on digitalizing pharmaceutical control. From this perspective, I consider this museum to be a small but important piece of the mosaic of the “New Uzbekistan” being built by the President.”

The guest also noted that it would be appropriate to establish a similarly modern and comprehensive museum in Rome dedicated to Italian and Roman civilization. He stated that he would certainly share his impressions of the Center with others and emphasized that such projects can serve as an important source of inspiration for new initiatives and ideas.

At the end of the visit, Stefano Berterame left his warm impressions in the Center’s book of honorary guests. The delegation members highly appreciated the activities of this unique institution and noted that they were deeply impressed by the exhibitions and the historical and cultural heritage presented.