“This is not just a museum — it is the living memory of Islamic civilization”: Bruneian Professor on the Center
“It is not about how grand the building is. What matters most is its content, the knowledge it brings together, and the sincere aspiration to share the beauty of Islamic civilization with the world.”
Professor Dayang Siti Sara binti Haji Ahmad of Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University in Brunei expressed her impressions in these words while visiting the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan.
The visit of the Bruneian delegation, led by the professor, became not only an opportunity to explore history and heritage, but also a dialogue that opened up new areas of cooperation between the two academic institutions.
At the beginning of the visit, a meeting was held with the participation of members of the delegation and representatives of the Center. The discussions focused on jointly researching manuscripts, establishing exchanges of students and researchers, and implementing joint academic projects at the master’s and doctoral levels.
Representatives of the Bruneian university expressed their interest in developing systematic cooperation with the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan in these areas.
Representatives of the Center briefed the guests on its manuscript collection, research programs, and opportunities for remote research. Both sides emphasized their readiness to elevate relations to the institutional level and sign a memorandum of cooperation in the future.
Following the talks, the Bruneian delegation explored the Center’s exhibitions in detail.
The exhibition concept, in particular, which presents different periods of history as a continuous and interconnected narrative, made a strong impression on the guests.
“When we first entered the Center, it felt as though we were stepping into the pre-Islamic era. Then, moving from one historical period to another, you eventually arrive at the modern age. This journey allows a person to appreciate the present day more deeply,” said Professor Dayang Siti Sara binti Haji Ahmad.
She noted that the Center’s exhibition is not intended for any particular age group or audience. Rather, it brings together people of different generations around a shared idea: understanding history, appreciating the present, and passing the legacy of civilization on to the future.
“Without looking back at our history and civilization, we cannot fully understand how we have reached where we are today. For young people, the middle-aged, and the elderly alike, this is a remarkable journey that encourages us to recognize and appreciate the blessings Allah has bestowed upon us,” said the Bruneian scholar.
The professor also placed particular emphasis on the Center’s international significance:
“This demonstrates that the Islamic Civilization Center can confidently compete with leading museums and academic and educational institutions in the West. But in my view, its significance goes far beyond that. It is not simply about the building itself or its scale. What matters most is the content and knowledge found here, as well as the passion for sharing with others the journey of Islam and the beauty of Islamic civilization.”
The visit of the Bruneian delegation therefore went far beyond a simple introductory tour. It laid a practical foundation for new cooperation linking scholars from Uzbekistan and Brunei across a broad academic field, from manuscript studies to doctoral research.
After all, the heritage of civilizations is not preserved only in museum showcases. It continues to live when it is studied, researched, and passed on to new generations.