“It is extremely important to pass on the history of Uzbekistan to the younger generation” — publisher of “Orientations” magazine
During the visit, Yifawn Lee explored the Center’s exhibitions and focused on the formation and development of Islamic civilization, the various stages of its evolution across different historical periods, as well as the legacy of the great scholars who contributed to the flourishing of science, culture, and intellectual thought in the land of Transoxiana.
As the head of an international publication specializing in Asian art and cultural heritage, Yifawn Lee naturally approached the exhibitions with professional interest. Orientations magazine extensively covers the art and cultural heritage of the peoples of Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Central Asia.
A special part of the visit was devoted to exploring the opportunities created at the Center for the younger generation. Yifawn Lee familiarized himself with the approaches used in the children’s area and highlighted the importance of interactive and visual tools in communicating historical and scientific content to young audiences.
He also became acquainted with the activities of the Center’s library, its modern concept, and the facilities created for users. In particular, the conditions provided for blind and visually impaired readers attracted the guest’s attention.
In the concluding part of the visit, a conversation was held with Yifawn Lee, during which views were exchanged on the activities of the Islamic Civilization Center, the promotion of historical and cultural heritage to the international community, the use of modern media opportunities, and prospects for future cooperation.
During the conversation, Yifawn Lee said that he intends to prepare a special feature for Orientations magazine about his impressions of Uzbekistan, what he saw at the Center, and the country’s rich cultural heritage.
First of all, I do not think two hours is enough to explore this place. One could easily spend an entire day here. The Center is enormous and feels like a treasure trove of invaluable information.
It is especially important to pass on the country’s history to the younger generation. Many young people today spend more time playing games on their phones or browsing social media. Therefore, it is extremely important to instill in them an understanding of their own culture and history, as well as a sense of pride in being Uzbek and in being heirs to this rich Islamic cultural heritage.
I have also seen excellent exhibitions outside Uzbekistan dedicated to the country’s rich cultural heritage. For example, a year or two ago, the British Museum organized an exhibition devoted to the Silk Roads.
I believe that showcasing a part of Uzbekistan’s culture to international audiences is an excellent initiative. Such exhibitions can inspire people to visit your country and help introduce Uzbekistan’s history and culture to a much wider audience.
The magazine I work for, Orientations, is an academic publication dedicated to Asian art, covering the art and cultural heritage of broad regions including Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Central Asia.
For this reason, I would like to prepare a special feature on the Islamic Civilization Center for our magazine and introduce it to a wider audience. I would be very interested in sharing with our readers what I have seen here and the impressions I have gained, said Yifawn Lee, publisher and editor of “Orientations” magazine.