Third Renaissance: Center of Islamic civilization as strategy for spiritual and intellectual advancement of new Uzbekistan

Center of Islamic Civilization is a grand cultural complex in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, near the Hast Imam ensemble. Courtesy of the Government of Uzbekistan

• Published Mar 20, 2026 12:01 AM KST

Human history demonstrates that every great advancement is built upon intellectual and spiritual foundations. Today, a project emerging from the heart of Central Asia is drawing global attention for its scale and significance — the Center of Islamic Civilization is not merely an architectural landmark, but an intellectual bridge connecting the past, present and future of the region.

The anticipated opening of the complex in later this month has already attracted the attention of leading international publications and organizations, recognizing it as one of the most significant cultural projects of the new Uzbekistan.

The foundation for the project was laid in 2017, when Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev introduced the initiative at the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly. At that time, leaders of Uzbekistan emphasized the need to show the international community the true humanistic essence of Islam — enlightenment, peace and creation. This was not only a political statement but also a program for returning to the roots of a land that for centuries served as a cradle of science and culture.

The emergence of this monumental project coincides with a global need for spiritual transformation. In an era where Islamophobia and radicalism are spreading across different parts of the world, Uzbekistan has proposed a model to confront these challenges through science and education.

Today, this vision has materialized in a majestic complex covering ten hectares in the historic center of Tashkent. Its 65-meter-tall azure dome and four golden gates symbolically represent the unity of all regions of Uzbekistan. Across every line of the building, architectural traditions of the 15th century Timurid era are harmoniously integrated with modern technological solutions.

The center embodies a balance of religion and science. Its main pillar, reflecting the rich architectural traditions of the Ulugh Beg Madrasah, is adorned with a calligraphic inscription of the first revealed verse of the Quran, “Iqra” (“Read in the name of your Lord”), symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge as the highest spiritual duty of every individual.

The centerpiece of the exhibition is the 7th-century Uthman Quran, a unique sacred relic inscribed by UNESCO in the Memory of the World register.

The architectural concept of the complex impresses not only with its grandeur but also with its full compliance with contemporary urban planning and environmental sustainability standards. Every element of the project — from the foundation to the dome — has been constructed with respect for historical heritage and designed for longevity. The landscaped grounds surrounding the complex transform it into more than a scientific center, creating a spacious cultural and educational zone accessible to both city residents and international visitors.

The exhibition concept of the center fundamentally departs from that of traditional museums. Built upon the principle endorsed by Shavkat Mirziyoyev, “Civilization — Personalities — Discoveries," it does more than present historical facts; it immerses visitors in a living intellectual innovation. The exhibition is organized chronologically to cover the pre-Islamic period, the First and Second Renaissance and New Uzbekistan, forming the foundation of the Third Renaissance.

A special feature is the “Wall of Civilizations," which showcases humanity’s intellectual progress as a continuous process. It illustrates how the discoveries of great figures from each era including Al-Khwarizmi, Al-Farghani, Ibn Sina, Al-Biruni and Mirzo Ulughbek are directly linked to modern technologies.

The extensive use of virtual and augmented reality technologies, holograms and artificial intelligence enables the center to bring to life unique 9th-century manuscripts, digitally reconstruct the original appearance of ancient observatories and transport past discoveries into the digital realm.

This large-scale integration of digital technologies positions the center as a museum of the future. Through smart systems, visitors not only receive visual information but can virtually interact with great scientists and participate in their laboratory experiments.

The 1001 Inventions Laboratory, designed for children, sparks early interest in engineering and natural sciences. The center evolves beyond a repository of knowledge, becoming an interactive educational platform that nurtures the nation’s intellectual potential.

President Mirziyoyev has repeatedly emphasized that the true strength of a nation lies in its memory and cultural roots. He instructed that museum exhibitions be enriched with authentic examples of national heritage and that the rarest artifacts preserving the spirit and history of the Uzbek people be returned to the homeland.

In fulfillment of this noble vision, a delegation led by Firdavs Abdukhalikov, director of the Center of Islamic Civilization and a special commission of scholars, orientalists and art historians, conducted large-scale research. One of the center’s most important tasks is the repatriation of national cultural heritage scattered abroad; in recent years, systematic cooperation has been established with prestigious auction houses and private collectors for this purpose.

Thanks to these efforts, more than a thousand unique manuscripts and artifacts have been returned to Uzbekistan. The World Society for the Study, Preservation and Promotion of the Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan has also transferred numerous unique artworks from Transoxiana and Khorasan to the center's collection.

Scientific expeditions and diplomatic missions organized by the government of Uzbekistan have facilitated the creation of facsimile copies of manuscripts preserved in major museums and libraries worldwide. This process underscores that the rich cultural heritage of the Uzbek people is not only the legacy of Central Asia but also an integral part of the Islamic world and human civilization. Each repatriated treasure symbolizes the determination of the new Uzbekistan to restore its cultural identity.

The Center of Islamic Civilization is conceived not merely as a museum, but as an active scientific and educational platform. It provides comprehensive facilities for researchers, including a library housing over 200,000 volumes, restoration laboratories, a calligraphy school, and digital archives. The center also hosts offices of prestigious international organizations including the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the Research Centre For Islamic History, Art and Culture and the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, highlighting its role as a major hub for scientific and educational engagement.

More than 1,500 specialists from over 40 countries contributed to the project. International experts, including Khaled El-Enany, have described the center as a “unique civilizational complex, integrating a next-generation museum, advanced research infrastructure, a modern library, national and international archives on the history of Central Asian civilizations, digital humanities technologies and an extensive network for global scientific and cultural collaboration.”

The president of Finland, Alexander Stubb, referred to the center as an intellectual hub of the modern world, likening it to historical institutions such as the Bayt al-Hikma, Academy of Ma’mun and Ulugh Beg Madrasah, which once shaped the development of science.

The exhibit “Central Asia: Shared Spiritual and Educational Heritage – Shared Future," was visited by five presidents, becoming a symbol of collective regional pride. The event also brought together more than 300 scholars and cultural figures from Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan.

In February this year, new reports from Paris further bolstered the project’s global prestige. The International Committee of the “Prix Versailles” included The Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent in their list of the “World's most beautiful museums of 2026."

This recognition is further reinforced by the inclusion of the Center of Islamic Civilization in authoritative international publications and rankings, such as "Smithsonian Magazine," "BBC Travel," "BBC History” and "National Geographic." This places it alongside the world’s major museum initiatives, including the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, National Geographic Museum of Exploration in Washington, D.C. and London Museum in London.

Such acclaim significantly enhances the center’s scientific and tourism potential, transforming it into a must-visit global landmark. These achievements vividly demonstrate the creative potential of New Uzbekistan and its innovative approach that meets international standards.

It is no coincidence that the center’s opening coincides with the holy month of Ramadan. It was during Ramadan in 2018 that the first stone of this grand project was laid. Now, eight years later, the Center of Islamic Civilization will open its doors, becoming a vital symbol of the revival and preservation of Islamic cultural heritage for future generations.

This article was provided by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Seoul.