News

Honorary guests of the III International Maqom Art Forum and the international events “Andijan – Cultural Capital of the Turkic World 2026,” led by Dr. Nasser bin Hamad Al Hinzab, Chairperson of the UNESCO Executive Board, visited the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan.

The delegation was informed that the Center is a major educational mega-project implemented on the direct initiative and under the continuous patronage of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. They also learned how the Center’s concept harmoniously integrates the legacy of great ancestors, modern scholarship, and the vision of New Uzbekistan’s development.

During the visit, Dr. Nasser bin Hamad Al Hinzab toured the Center’s extensive museum exhibitions in detail. He showed particular interest in each historical period and thematic section, highly praising the rare manuscripts, historical artifacts, the scholarly legacy of great thinkers, multimedia installations, and advanced technological solutions.

The exhibition highlighting Central Asia’s civilizational development before the advent of Islam attracted special attention. Dr. Al Hinzab noted that this section presents a comprehensive historical narrative of the region’s ancient cultural foundations, the historical interactions among diverse peoples and civilizations, and the deep roots of the remarkable scientific and intellectual flourishing that emerged in later centuries.

Sharing his impressions of the Center, the Chairperson of the UNESCO Executive Board emphasized the strategic vision embodied in the project by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and highlighted its international significance.

Dr. Nasser bin Hamad Al Hinzab, Chairperson of the UNESCO Executive Board:

“It is a great honor for me to visit the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan. From the very first moment I stepped inside, I could sense the profound vision put forward by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. It is a vision dedicated to strengthening dialogue among cultures and civilizations, preserving historical memory, and ensuring that it serves the interests of future generations.

Today, that vision has taken tangible form in this Center. It has become an international platform that brings together peoples, cultures, and civilizations.

The significance of this Center extends far beyond Islamic civilization or Central Asia. It serves all humanity by enabling people to understand the past, gain a deeper appreciation of the present, and consciously build the future.

At a time when the world has an ever-growing need to strengthen peace, mutual respect, and solidarity among nations, the Center plays an invaluable role in promoting intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding. As Chairperson of the UNESCO Executive Board, we take great pride in supporting a project that serves such noble objectives.”

The guest emphasized that the Center also holds exceptional educational value for the younger generation. In his view, every young person who visits the Center has the opportunity to gain systematic knowledge of history, culture, and various fields of science, appreciate the intellectual legacy of their ancestors, and find inspiration for new academic research.

As part of the visit, talks were held between Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, and Dr. Nasser bin Hamad Al Hinzab, Chairperson of the UNESCO Executive Board.

During the meeting, Director Firdavs Abdukhalikov stressed that the Center is not merely a museum or a venue for historical exhibitions, but a major academic platform that integrates scientific research, international scholarly cooperation, and educational dialogue. He noted that President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has identified the development of science as one of the country's key state priorities and is placing particular emphasis on creating modern conditions for scholars, researchers, and young academics. The establishment of dedicated spaces within the Center for leading international academic institutions and research centers is a practical reflection of this strategic vision.

The discussions focused on promoting the global legacy of such great scholars as Imam Bukhari, Imam Maturidi, and Imam Tirmidhi, as well as organizing exhibitions and presentations at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris dedicated to the activities of the Islamic Civilization Center and the scholarly heritage of Uzbekistan’s eminent thinkers. The Chairperson of the UNESCO Executive Board expressed his readiness to support these initiatives and contribute to further expanding cooperation between Uzbekistan and UNESCO.

The delegation was also informed about the First International Islamic Forum, titled “Islamic Civilization: The Path of Peace, Tolerance, and Enlightenment,” to be held on July 7–11. Bringing together nearly 350 scholars, experts, and specialists from more than 60 countries, the forum will serve as a major international platform for dialogue and cooperation. Expressing his appreciation for the invitation, the guest stated that he would consider the participation of UNESCO representatives in the event.

The parties also discussed prospects for establishing academic, museum, and cultural cooperation with the Center for Islamic Studies at Qatar University, Qatar Museums, and the Museum of Islamic Art. Dr. Nasser bin Hamad Al Hinzab affirmed that he would convey the Center’s official invitation to the relevant academic and museum institutions in Qatar and provide practical support in establishing cooperation.

Particular attention was also given to Uzbekistan’s initiative to establish the International Day for the Protection of Documentary Heritage. Congratulating President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the people of Uzbekistan on this initiative, the Chairperson of the UNESCO Executive Board highlighted its global significance:

“This initiative serves not the interests of a single country, but those of all humanity. Protecting documentary heritage, raising international awareness of its value, and preserving it for future generations are responsibilities we all share.”

Dr. Nasser bin Hamad Al Hinzab also sincerely noted that Uzbekistan holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Qatar and that he feels completely at home whenever he visits the country.

Speaking about the remarkable scale and profound content of the Center’s exhibitions, he remarked:

“Every section, every step, and every corner of this Center tells a story of history. For anyone genuinely interested in history, even a full day is not enough to explore everything here. I would gladly spend an entire day at this Center.”

At the conclusion of the visit, Director Firdavs Abdukhalikov presented Dr. Nasser bin Hamad Al Hinzab with a commemorative book highlighting the lives and achievements of great scholars, the development of New Uzbekistan, and the vision of the Third Renaissance. Dr. Al Hinzab also recorded his impressions in the Center’s Book of Honorary Guests, describing the Center as a place where history, knowledge, and culture converge, showcasing the universal values of Islamic civilization and its contribution to the progress of humanity.

The visit once again demonstrated that the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, established at the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, is evolving from a national educational and scholarly institution into an international hub for cultural dialogue and academic cooperation.

The outcomes of the meeting also opened new prospects for expanding cooperation between Uzbekistan and UNESCO in the fields of cultural and documentary heritage preservation, scientific research, museum studies, education, and dialogue among civilizations.