“A museum that conveys the true essence of Islam” – Impressions of the Sri Lankan delegation
Within the framework of the 46th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia being held in Tashkent, the Secretary General of the Sri Lanka National Olympic Committee and his assistant, who are currently in Uzbekistan, paid a visit to the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan.
During the guided tour of the Center complex, established on the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the guests highly praised its well-thought-out planning and scientifically grounded exhibitions. In the course of the visit, members of the delegation familiarized themselves in detail with the exhibits presented in the “Pre-Islamic Period” section as well as in the halls dedicated to the Holy Qur’an.
In particular, the original deer statue dating back to the first millennium BCE and the collection of Sogdian textiles attracted great interest among the guests. Through these artifacts, it was emphasized that the ancient culture and artistic thought formed in the territory of Central Asia are presented as an integral historical process.
Rifdy Fahmy, Secretary General of the Sri Lanka National Olympic Committee:
“I hope that this place will encourage future generations to think differently, help completely eliminate misconceptions such as Islamophobia, and convey to the world the true and authentic essence of Islam.
I was personally granted the opportunity to see and closely familiarize myself with one of the oldest copies of the Qur’an in the world. This is a great honor. As a Muslim, I feel deep gratitude and offer praise and thanks to Almighty Allah for this opportunity.
Seeing this place with my own eyes, learning about Qur’anic calligraphy, various styles of script, and the immense effort invested in preserving it was a truly unique experience. I was also amazed that each ornament, pattern, and decorative element is unique and originates from different parts of the world.”
The guests also paid special attention to the Center’s modern exhibition solutions. They noted that digital technologies, avatars, and innovative visual approaches have brought historical material “closer” to the audience, transforming it from a static display into a dynamic space of knowledge.
Members of the delegation stated that the experience gained at the Center would remain unforgettable for them and expressed their wish for such projects to be more widely promoted on a global scale.
