“You can also see Uzbekistan’s development path in the 21st century” — Ian Saunders at the Islamic Civilization Center
A delegation led by Ian Saunders, Secretary General of the World Customs Organization, visited the Center and explored its exhibitions. The guests showed particular interest in the integration of historical heritage with modern technologies, especially the opportunity to “converse” with a digital representation of the great scholar Abu Ali ibn Sina.
This very harmony also featured prominently in Ian Saunders’s impressions of the Center. Describing it as “a truly unique complex,” the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization said:
“This is truly a unique complex. Its exterior is very impressive. At the same time, the Center’s exhibitions offer a broad perspective on the history of Central Asia, Uzbekistan’s development within the region, and its place in the evolving Islamic world. The final section of the exhibition also reflects a vision of Uzbekistan’s progress toward the future in the 21st century.
I had the opportunity to learn a great deal of new information about the country I had only arrived in this morning. For representatives of the Islamic world, this place offers, above all, an excellent opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Central Asia’s role in Islamic civilization. For those who are not very familiar with the region, the Center provides an opportunity to explore the history of this part of the world step by step, from ancient times to the present day.
The exhibitions are very well organized, and the information presented is exceptionally rich. Most importantly, this is a unique place where visitors can learn a great deal about Uzbekistan’s rich history, culture, and place in civilization. Thanks to such opportunities created for the people by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan is now able to present its rich history and cultural heritage to the world on a broad scale.”
At the end of the visit, Ian Saunders was presented with commemorative gifts, and he also shared his impressions in the “Book of Honored Guests”:
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to visit the Islamic Civilization Center and become closely acquainted with its work.
The Center’s carefully organized and content-rich exhibitions gave me a deeper understanding of the history of Central Asia, its place in the Islamic world, and Uzbekistan’s path of development in the 21st century. Such opportunities created for the people by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev play an important role in preserving and studying Uzbekistan’s rich historical and cultural heritage and in presenting it widely to the international community.”
The Center’s exhibitions go beyond simply presenting the past, revealing the close interconnectedness of history, civilization, statehood, and development. Here, visitors can view the heritage of the past through the lens of the present and gain an understanding of Uzbekistan’s path toward future development.