“If you haven’t seen this museum, you haven’t seen anything yet” — Ambassador for Culture and Tourism
Some places are hard to describe in words, because they have to be seen, felt, and understood. The Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, built on the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, is precisely such an architectural and intellectual landmark.
The remarks made by Ritu Beri, Uzbekistan’s Ambassador of Culture and Tourism in India, during her visit to the Center reflect the profound impression it made on her.
As she explored the exhibitions, she noted that the combination of historical heritage, scholarly knowledge, and modern museum design had made a profound impression on her.
“I find it hard to put my excitement and deep impressions into words. I have never seen anything more beautiful in my life. As Uzbekistan’s Culture and Tourism Ambassador, I can confidently say that travelers and scholars from across the globe should journey to Tashkent specifically to see this museum. If you have not seen this museum in your entire life, then you have not seen anything yet. Because genuine history and authentic, reliable knowledge about Islam are gathered here. Such knowledge cannot be replicated anywhere else on earth. This is an utterly mesmerizing place. It is the most beautiful of all the Islam-related museums I have seen in my life,” she said.
According to Ritu Beri, it is difficult to single out just one hall or exhibition at the Center. Alongside the exhibits themselves, she was impressed by the museum’s overall concept, including the harmony between spaces, the colours, the lighting, and the style the exhibitions are presented.
“Every space here possesses its own character, and each hall offers an entirely singular experience. I have learned so much here, which is why I cannot single out any particular area. I really liked the Center’s concept, the harmony of colours, and the lighting, all of it. Everything here has been thoughtfully designed,” she noted.
According to her, the Islamic Civilization Center could become one of the important sites for showcasing Uzbekistan’s tourism potential across the globe.
Ritu Beri noted that she had also personally observed the Center’s construction. According to her, its present appearance made an even greater impression than her initial expectations.
“I saw this museum while it was still being built. Today, it looks even better than I had imagined. This place amazed me enormously. The impression is so powerful that I am overwhelmed with emotion. I could not hide my astonishment. It is so beautiful.”
Ritu Beri’s impressions once again highlight an essential aspect of the vision behind the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan. Here, history is presented not merely through individual exhibits, but through the richness and coherence of an entire civilization’s scholarly, educational, and cultural heritage.
The Center is emerging as an innovative sanctuary of knowledge and international dialogue, dedicated to illuminating the depths of Uzbekistan’s history, introduce its rich scholarly and cultural heritage to international audiences, and demonstrate the close connection between the country’s contemporary development and its historical memory.
