A historical artifact from the Safavid period was presented

During the forum “The Legacy of the Great Past – the Foundation of an Enlightened Future” held in Tashkent, an important cultural event took place. As part of the forum’s program, a ceremony was held to present unique exhibits from Britain to the Center for Islamic Civilization. Among these was a rare artifact from the MOMTAZ ISLAMIC ART collection dating back to the early 18th century.

This artifact, crafted by Iranian artisans during the Safavid era, is a ceremonial axe made of engraved steel, intended for cutting sugar. Measuring nearly 31 cm in length, the item was used at weddings and celebrations for serving sweets and decorating banquets. It was not only a household object but also a significant symbol of the cultural traditions and lifestyle of that time.

The collector herself, Irina Momtaz, who presented the artifact, expressed high regard for the Center for Islamic Civilization:

Your museum is the first in the world to present all items in a unified, holistic historical narrative. The exhibits seemed almost alive — something I have never witnessed in any other museum, she said.

This gift has further enriched the Center’s collection and was recognized as an important event in the cultural dialogue and spiritual life of our country. The addition of this artifact makes the Center’s exhibition even more diverse, illuminating not only Islamic civilization but also its broad connections with world cultures.

It is worth noting that on September 26–27 of this year, the prestigious international forum “The Legacy of the Great Past – the Foundation of an Enlightened Future” was held at the Center for Islamic Civilization. More than 100 specialists scholars, researchers, museum and library directors, and cultural heritage experts from over 20 countries participated.

International organizations such as IRCICA, ICESCO, TURKSOY, the World Islamic League, Oxford University, the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Christie’s, along with other leading scientific and cultural institutions, took part with their presentations, analyses, and proposals.

At the forum, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s initiatives aimed at preserving the true humanistic essence of Islam and fostering intercultural dialogue received high recognition from the international community.

Importantly, within the framework of the forum, 10 thematic sessions were organized at the Center. These sessions covered the Qur’an Hall, pre-Islamic civilizations, the development of science, the Renaissance periods, museum and library work, digitization technologies, and issues of international scientific cooperation.