“We will definitely return here” — Austrian Ministers visit the Islamic Civilization Center
The delegation led by Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Beate Meinl-Reisinger and Austrian Federal Minister of the Interior Gerhard Karner visited the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov and the Minister of Internal Affairs Aziz Tashpulatov.
During the visit, the guests closely explored the Center’s pre-Islamic era section. In particular, the jewelry related to the Bactrian civilization, Kushan-era coins, and some of the world’s oldest chess pieces attracted great interest from the delegation.
Special attention was drawn to the chess pieces discovered in Dalvarzintepa, located in present-day Uzbekistan, which are considered among the oldest such findings in the world. Experts noted that these pieces were created nearly four centuries earlier than the chess artifacts discovered in India, which deeply impressed the visitors.
In the First Renaissance section, rare Seljuk-era jewelry and a state emblem featuring a double-headed eagle left a strong impression on the guests.
The image of Bibikhanum in the Second Renaissance section also became a particular focus of attention. It is worth noting that the creation of this figure was primarily based on the recommendations of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The Head of State emphasized that Bibikhanum’s headdress, clothing colors, and stature should accurately correspond to the historical descriptions provided by the Spanish ambassador Ruy González de Clavijo. The wax figure was created based on these historical accounts.
The guests also viewed the tree installation in the “New Uzbekistan — Foundation of a New Renaissance” section, as well as the unique exhibits displayed in the Hall of the Holy Qur’an, expressing their admiration and deep impressions.
Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs:
“We are very pleased and honored to have the opportunity to be here. I have never seen anything this magnificent in my life. We are especially proud that a part connected to Austria is represented in the Islamic Civilization Center, and I would like to congratulate the Center.”
Gerhard Karner, Austrian Federal Minister of the Interior:
“All the exhibitions we saw at the Center left a tremendous impression on us, and we will definitely return here again.”
At the conclusion of the visit, Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Beate Meinl-Reisinger and Austrian Federal Minister of the Interior Gerhard Karner left their signatures in the Center’s Book of Honored Guests.
