News

On the occasion of International Museum Day, celebrated on May 18, a special exhibition and presentation of rare artifacts related to the history of Islamic civilization and the holy sites of Islam was held at the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan.

The event served as a practical demonstration of the Center’s ongoing efforts to study, preserve, and present the rich heritage of the Islamic world to the public through modern and engaging formats.

One of the most significant highlights of the event was the official unveiling of rare Islamic artifacts brought from London to Uzbekistan on the instructions of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in the presence of journalists and members of the public.

“Under the initiative of our esteemed President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, large-scale efforts are being carried out to return Uzbekistan’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage to our homeland. During the opening ceremony of the Islamic Civilization Center, the Head of State placed particular emphasis on this issue, noting that one of his noble aspirations is to repatriate rare manuscripts, artifacts, and historical treasures belonging to the Uzbek people.

As a result of the dedicated efforts undertaken under the leadership of our respected President, nearly 2,000 cultural valuables have been brought back to Uzbekistan. Many of the rare manuscripts, historical objects, and artifacts currently displayed in the exhibitions of the Islamic Civilization Center are a direct result of this initiative.

The Head of State also assigned the task of continuing this work systematically by organizing special scientific expeditions and establishing dedicated funds to search for and repatriate cultural heritage. Today, these instructions are being put into practice. In particular, during a special operation conducted in cooperation with the OSCE and the London Police, numerous cultural valuables were identified, and some of them were returned to Uzbekistan. This event is regarded as an important milestone not only for our country but also for the international community engaged in the protection of cultural heritage.

Today, another remarkable collection of sacred relics associated with Islam and our spiritual values — including fragments of the Kiswah, holy objects, and historical artifacts — has been brought to our country.

Presented to our people on the eve of Eid al-Adha, these invaluable gifts carry profound spiritual significance for our fellow citizens,” said Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Center.

The exhibition features artifacts of exceptional spiritual importance associated with the holiest sites of the Islamic world. Among the central exhibits is the “Burqa,” a curtain embroidered with metallic threads that once covered the door of the Holy Kaaba. Dating back to the nineteenth century, and specifically to 1880, this artifact holds great historical significance as a decorative covering for the sacred door of the Kaaba.

Also presented to the public was the “Hizam,” a section of the Kaaba’s Kiswah dating from the late nineteenth to the early twentieth century. The Kiswah is the cloth that envelops the Holy Kaaba, and every part of it is regarded as a treasured relic throughout the Muslim world.

The exhibition also includes the “Rawda” covering from the Prophet’s Chamber in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah. Dating to 1900, this artifact attracted considerable interest due to its close association with Islamic history and the spiritual life of Muslims.

Another important part of the exhibition was the presentation of the gilded water spout known as the “Mizab al-Rahman,” which was installed on the northern roof of the Holy Kaaba. This rare artifact holds exceptional historical significance as an important architectural element of the Sacred Kaaba.

The exhibition also featured artistic panels bearing the inscriptions “Muhammad” and “Allah,” as well as a rare prayer manuscript containing the renowned devotional works Dala’il al-Khayrat and Al-Hizb al-A‘zam, dating to the late eighteenth century. Copied between 1793 and 1795, this manuscript has attracted the attention of specialists as a remarkable example of Islamic calligraphy and the history of religious literature.

“Uzbekistan has long attracted the attention of the world as a land of rich history and a highly developed culture. However, during various historical periods, many rare artifacts, manuscripts, and artistic masterpieces belonging to our country were taken abroad. In recent years, special attention has been devoted, under the initiative of our esteemed President, to the repatriation of this cultural heritage.

The Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan serves as an important scholarly and educational institution in this endeavor. The Center is actively identifying, acquiring, and bringing back to Uzbekistan artifacts related to our heritage that are preserved in auction houses and private collections across the world. These artifacts not only enrich the museum’s exhibitions but also contribute to the broad promotion of our people’s rich history, spiritual heritage, and traditions of tolerance,” said Zohidillo Munavvarov, Chief Research Fellow at the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan.

In recent years, the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan has significantly expanded its cooperation with countries, academic institutions, and museums around the world. Through this collaboration, the Center has implemented a number of major projects aimed at promoting our nation’s rich spiritual heritage internationally, as well as collecting and researching rare exhibits related to Islamic civilization.

This presentation, organized on the occasion of International Museum Day, was recognized as an important part of the Center’s practical efforts in this direction.

The exhibition is also significant for its role in preserving cultural heritage, passing it on to future generations, and strengthening in young people a deep respect for history and spiritual values.