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Built as a new jewel of the East, the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan is gaining recognition not only among historians and researchers but also as a significant source of inspiration for representatives of the creative industries.

Participants of the “Mentorship program on innovative design”, organized by UNESCO, visited the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan and became closely acquainted with examples of how national cultural heritage can be harmoniously integrated with modern design, multimedia, and creative industries.

During the visit, guests explored the Center’s exhibitions, historical artifacts, interactive platforms, and multimedia solutions developed through digital technologies. Beyond a traditional museum experience, the visit offered participants an opportunity to understand national heritage through colors, forms, patterns, textiles, and symbols.

The participants showed particular interest in the concept of the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, established at the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, as well as its exhibition design and experience in presenting cultural heritage through modern technologies.

One of the highlights of the visit was the interactive exhibition dedicated to suzani, a unique masterpiece of Uzbek embroidery, which left a strong impression on the guests. The exhibition enabled participants to learn about the meanings behind traditional patterns, create their own designs, and gain insight into the historical and cultural significance of suzani.

Guests also explored exhibitions featuring collections of Sogdian garments and textiles, ancient weaving traditions, the history of silk production, and examples of traditional craftsmanship. These exhibits illustrate the cultural exchanges, trade relations, and development of applied arts in Central Asia during the era of the Great Silk Road.

According to Marhamat Umarova, founder of the MARU brand, fashion designer, UNESCO projects trainer, and expert, the Center is significant not only as a museum but also as a modern cultural space where history can be experienced and felt.

“The entire space of the Center is exceptionally well organized. The museum is modern, interactive, and engaging. What impressed me most was how effectively historical processes are presented through each object and its accompanying descriptions. I would certainly recommend this place to young people and students,” said Marhamat Umarova.

In her view, the Center’s exhibitions present history not merely as information but as a living experience that can be seen, felt, and understood. As a designer, she was particularly fascinated by the collection of Sogdian textiles and examples of ancient textile heritage.

At the conclusion of the visit, participants described the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan as a unique cultural and educational platform where historical heritage, design, and innovative technologies come together in harmony.

Marhamat Umarova, Founder of the MARU Brand, Fashion Designer, UNESCO projects trainer and expert:

“I am visiting the Center for the second time. This time, I came together with our students participating in a project implemented by UNESCO and the Delegation of the European Union to Uzbekistan.

First and foremost, the Center makes a remarkable impression through both its scale and content. The entire space is thoughtfully designed, and the exhibitions are modern, interactive, and highly engaging for visitors.

Particularly noteworthy is the way historical processes are revealed clearly and vividly through every detail, every object, and the explanations provided for them. It is evident that an enormous amount of collective effort stands behind such an impressive result.

That is why I would especially recommend this Center to young people, students, and schoolchildren. It is not only aesthetically beautiful but also extremely valuable from an educational perspective.

Here, history can be learned not only by reading about it, but also by seeing it, feeling it, and truly understanding it. As a designer, I was especially impressed by the rich collection of Sogdian textiles”.