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History can be read in books. But seeing, hearing, and experiencing it is something entirely different. Nearly 50 journalists who arrived in Uzbekistan from Azerbaijan had exactly this experience at the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan. Exhibitions showcasing ancient manuscripts, the legacy of great scholars, and centuries of history through modern multimedia technologies captured the journalists’ attention. Their impressions demonstrated how the historical memory that unites the two nations is now reaching new audiences through modern media.

The bonds of friendship and brotherhood between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan continue to expand and acquire new dimensions. Cooperation in the cultural, humanitarian, and information spheres, in particular, plays an important role in widely promoting the shared historical and spiritual values of the two nations. With this aim, a special media tour of the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan was organized for nearly 50 media representatives visiting Uzbekistan from Azerbaijan.

During the visit, the Azerbaijani journalists toured the Center’s exhibition halls and explored displays devoted to the civilizations that have developed in the territory of Uzbekistan since ancient times, the development of Islam and Islamic culture, the legacy of scholars who made invaluable contributions to the advancement of science and knowledge, manuscripts and rare historical artifacts, as well as exhibitions created using modern multimedia technologies. The Center’s approach to presenting historical heritage through modern technologies generated particular interest among the visitors.

Sabina Shukurova, a correspondent for Azerbaijan’s public television and radio broadcasting company — ITV, noted that she had visited the Center before and said that the innovative solutions used in the exhibitions once again caught her attention. She also emphasized that relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan have been developing rapidly in recent years.

“We are generally accustomed to learning about history from books. But seeing it brought to life, even a small part of it presented in an interpretive form, is particularly fascinating. It stays in your memory because the more people see things with their own eyes, the more they remember. The bonds of friendship between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan have been developing at a remarkable pace in recent years. This can be seen both in the regular meetings between our heads of state and in the way people from our two countries interact with one another. I believe that our relations and ties will continue to grow even stronger,” she said.

Vusal Matlab, a representative of Azerbaijan Television, noted that while Azerbaijani journalists had explored Uzbekistan’s potential in innovation and startups during the earlier stages of their visit, at the Center they witnessed how modern technologies are being used to preserve national and Islamic heritage, promote it widely, and pass it on to future generations.

“We are leaving here with very strong impressions. Islamic traditions and heritage are presented through highly modern solutions and a creative approach. I was very impressed. Relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are rooted in historical and ethnic ties, while today’s bonds of brotherhood and friendship are also reflected in practical projects,” said Vusal Matlab.

In particular, the journalist highlighted Uzbekistan’s contribution to the reconstruction of Azerbaijan’s Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur regions.

“The Mirzo Ulugbek Secondary School in the city of Fuzuli was built by Uzbekistan as a gift to the people of Azerbaijan. It is not merely an educational institution, but a legacy of the brotherhood and friendship between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan that will be passed on to future generations,” he said.

Namida Bingol, a presenter for the “Reality TV” channel, said that this was her first visit to the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan and noted that different periods of history are presented at the Center within a unified concept. Namida Bingol particularly praised the way the pre-Islamic culture and way of life of the Uzbek people are represented in the Center’s exhibitions. According to her, the use of multimedia technologies at the Center makes historical events more vivid and engaging.

“The pre-Islamic culture and way of life of the Uzbek people are presented beautifully. Every detail — information about military commanders, history, ordinary people, and those working the land — is portrayed with great care. Reading about it in a book is one thing, but coming here and seeing it with your own eyes is something entirely different. My impressions are very positive. When I return, I will try to present what I have seen here in an even more compelling way,” said Namida Bingol.

During the media tour, representatives of the Azerbaijani media also learned about the scientific and educational activities of the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, its extensive collection of books and manuscripts, historical exhibitions, as well as the modern services and facilities available to visitors. The visit will contribute to further strengthening cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan in the fields of information, culture, and humanitarian affairs, promoting the shared historical and cultural heritage of the two nations, and developing mutual media ties.