TRT Avaz: “A historic step from Uzbekistan at UNESCO”
Uzbekistan has put forward an important initiative to introduce the rich scientific and spiritual heritage of the Turkic world and Central Asia to the world. According to TRT Avaz, an event was held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris dedicated to the contribution of the scholars of Mawarannahr to world civilization, the study of rare manuscripts using modern technologies, and the expansion of international scientific cooperation. More than 300 representatives of international organizations, the diplomatic corps, scientific institutions, cultural organizations and expert communities attended.
The scientific and spiritual heritage of Turkestan on the global stage
Uzbekistan presented an international initiative at UNESCO Headquarters to preserve, study, and promote the scientific and spiritual heritage of Central Asia, highlighting the region’s enduring contribution to world civilization.
The event, titled “Islamic Civilization: Mawarannahr’s Great Spiritual and Scientific Heritage and Horizons of Enlightenment,” brought together more than 300 representatives of international organizations, the diplomatic corps, scientific institutions, cultural organizations and expert communities, in person and online.
In harmony with the vision of President Mirziyoyev
The initiative presented is closely aligned with the global goals outlined by President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The project aims to bring Central Asia’s contributions to world civilization to a broader global audience, raise awareness of its intellectual heritage, and strengthen intercultural dialogue.
During the presentation, Dr. Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan and Chairman of the World Society for the Study, Preservation and Popularization of the Cultural Legacy of Uzbekistan (WOSCU), spoke about the priority areas of the project.
They include the following:
- Developing a comprehensive international digital platform for historical sources;
- Applying artificial intelligence technologies to classify, preserve, and study rare manuscripts;
- Establishing an international scientific consortium;
- Supporting young researchers and scholars.
A 15,000-square-metre landmark: Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan
The event also provided participants with an insightful introduction to the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, which opened its doors in Tashkent in March 2026. With an exhibition area of approximately 15,000 square metres, the Center houses unique collections reflecting the history of science, education, and intellectual thought in the region.
Among the Center’s most valuable exhibits is the Uthman Mushaf, included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme. Beyond displaying historical artefacts, the complex serves as a modern institution that brings together digital technologies, scientific research, and academic cooperation.
Expanding international cooperation
During a meeting focused on further advancing these initiatives in cooperation with UNESCO, United Nations agencies, and international scientific and cultural institutions, partners agreed to host upcoming presentation events across major global centers, including Paris and Geneva during 2025–2026.
The event was organized through the collaborative efforts of the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, the Permanent Delegation of the Republic of Uzbekistan to UNESCO, the National Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan for UNESCO, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in France, and other partner organizations.
This initiative plays a vital role in passing down shared cultural wealth to future generations by harmonizing the region’s centuries-old scientific and cultural heritage with modern technologies.
