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The modernization of museums in line with the demands of the twenty-first century has become one of the key priorities on the international cultural agenda. In this regard, the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan seeks to refine its own concept by studying best practices in global museology. The international academic seminar held with the participation of Kathleen Göbel, Director of Germany’s Culture Cooperation organization, was a practical reflection of this objective. During the seminar, the international expert shared her experience while presenting the museum project in Saudi Arabia dedicated to the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Held from 7 to 11 July this year at the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in the cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, and Termez, the First International Islamic Civilization Forum became not only a global platform for scholarly and educational dialogue but also a prestigious venue for bringing together advanced international practices in museology, cultural heritage preservation, and the presentation of heritage through modern technologies. Throughout the forum, dozens of academic conferences, roundtable discussions, and practical seminars were organized with the participation of hundreds of scholars, researchers, museum professionals, and experts from more than forty countries.

One of the key events in the forum’s academic program was the international seminar led by Kathleen Göbel, Director of Germany’s Culture Cooperation organization. The seminar brought together researchers from the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan and the Imam Maturidi International Scientific Research Center, as well as faculty members, researchers, master’s students, and undergraduate students from the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan.

Today, the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan is carrying out extensive work to present the rich scholarly, spiritual, and cultural heritage of Islamic civilization through state-of-the-art museum technologies. In this context, the seminar organized within the framework of the forum played an important role in expanding the Center’s international partnerships, strengthening cooperation with leading museums and cultural institutions around the world, facilitating the exchange of expertise, and laying the foundation for new collaborative projects.

During the seminar, participants held in-depth discussions on the evolving role of museums in contemporary society, innovative approaches to preserving and promoting cultural heritage, the development of scholarly concepts, and the integration of digital technologies, multimedia, and interactive solutions into museum exhibitions. It was emphasized that museums today are no longer merely repositories of historical artifacts but are increasingly becoming important centers for research, education, cultural diplomacy, and dialogue among civilizations.

The central presentation of the seminar focused on the museum project being developed in Saudi Arabia by Culture Cooperation, dedicated to the life and Prophetic mission of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). The presentation outlined the museum’s scholarly and conceptual framework, the principles guiding the development of its exhibitions, the criteria for selecting historical sources, the use of multimedia technologies, the creation of an interactive visitor experience, and the educational and cultural significance of the exhibition.

The presentation attracted considerable interest from participants. Experts exchanged views on the innovative approaches employed in the project, methods of ensuring historical authenticity, and the opportunities offered by digital technologies in creating engaging and educational museum experiences.

The seminar also highlighted the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan for its active efforts to expand international cooperation, implement joint projects with leading museums and academic institutions worldwide, and promote the rich heritage of Islamic civilization through modern technologies. It was emphasized that meetings of this kind, organized within the framework of the forum, will further strengthen the Center’s international academic and cultural partnerships, facilitate the adoption of advanced museological practices in Uzbekistan, and create a solid foundation for future collaborative initiatives.

At the conclusion of the seminar, participants received comprehensive answers to their questions and shared proposals and recommendations for further strengthening cooperation in the fields of academic research, museology, and the promotion of cultural heritage.

The seminar served as a practical embodiment of the ideas advanced during the First International Islamic Civilization Forum strengthening dialogue among civilizations and promoting science and cultural heritage as universal values. It also marked another significant step in the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan’s ongoing efforts to deepen cooperation with the global academic community and expand its international scholarly and cultural partnerships.