OIC Assistant Secretary-General: “This center presents the true face of Islam to the world”

 

The delegation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation assessed the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, built on the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, as one of the region’s most innovative and enlightened scientific and cultural institutions.

 

The remarks made by our President from the rostrum of the prestigious international organization the United Nations regarding the Islamic Civilization Center established in Uzbekistan have generated great interest within the international community.

 

 

This mega-project, which harmoniously reflects our country’s rich historical heritage and contemporary cultural renewal, continues to astonish international delegations as an educational and intellectual space.

 

International delegations, scholars, and cultural representatives visiting the Center have the opportunity to closely observe our nation’s scientific potential, its tremendous contribution to the Islamic world, and its intellectual development.

 

Among such visitors was the delegation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which arrived to participate in the “Silk Road Tourism” International Fair held in our country.

 

During the visit, the Center’s Director, Firdavs Abdukhalikov, provided the delegation members with information about the construction of the Center and the concept behind the creation of its exhibitions, elaborating in detail on the scientific directions and educational mission of this mega-project established in Uzbekistan on the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

 

 

As emphasized by Firdavs Abdukhalikov, the Center is not only a museum showcasing historical heritage but also an innovative platform open to global scientific and historical research, cultural exchange, and educational cooperation.

 

The delegation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation was also presented with detailed information regarding the Center’s conceptual programs, future plans, and major international initiatives.

 

During their tour, representatives of the prestigious organization expressed deep impressions of how the history of Islamic civilization is portrayed in a modern style, the unconventional presentation of the heritage of the greatest scholars of the First and Second Renaissances, the extensive information about ancient scholarly schools formed in Uzbekistan, and the exhibitions dedicated to the development reforms of New Uzbekistan.

 

 

One of the features that evoked great interest among the delegation was the innovative approach used to present historical heritage in the exhibitions. They were astonished to discover that the 3000-year museum exposition, featuring the scientific, spiritual, and educational heritage of world-renowned scholars from their birth in our land to their global recognition today belongs precisely to Uzbekistan.

 

Providing additional insights, Director Firdavs Abdukhalikov noted that the museum is intended not only for tourists but also as an important educational space for the younger generation. Referring to the exhibitions about the great scholars that impressed the delegation, he stressed that this clearly demonstrates Uzbekistan as a country blessed with a unique cultural and scientific heritage.

 

 

Ahmad Sengendo, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Affairs of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, described the Center as one of the most advanced cultural hubs in the OIC region. According to him, presenting Uzbekistan’s rich scholarly heritage on the international stage plays an essential role in enhancing global tourism potential and strengthening educational cooperation.

 

We are very pleased to visit this magnificent, grand, and monumental sanctuary of Islamic civilization — the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan. We express our profound gratitude to the President, the government, and the people of Uzbekistan for establishing this center and documenting the true history of Islam, its scientific heritage, and great achievements. This center not only revives history but also enables the younger generation to understand their roots, appreciate their religion, and deeply comprehend the true essence of Islam — a religion of peace, progress, knowledge, and inquiry. It inspires young people to pursue knowledge, create innovation, and contribute to the development of their country, the Muslim world, and all humanity. The Center is constructed with great precision, excellence, and modernity. Thousands of historical facts and exhibits are preserved here, all displayed at the highest level. We express gratitude to the visionary leaders behind this idea, especially the President of Uzbekistan and the entire team of the Center. We hope this place will become a major scientific and educational hub that will present the true face of Islam to the global community. This Center is open not only to the Muslim world but also to all humanity. Its importance lies in the fact that every visitor will gain access to reliable, authentic, and rich sources about the history, science, and cultural heritage of Islam.”

 

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation comprises 57 member states. It stands as a vivid example of cooperation among member countries, and we are pleased to actively collaborate with this Center. We are always ready to work together in promoting historical research, inviting scholars from OIC countries to Uzbekistan, implementing joint scientific projects with Uzbek researchers, and disseminating correct knowledge about Islamic civilization. We strive to convey to the world the true essence of Islam — peace, progress, and unity. The OIC will dedicate all its efforts to promoting the activities of this Center and expanding cooperation with member states, said Ahmad Sengendo.

 

The delegation members viewed with great interest the display of the Uthman Mushaf and 114 rare Qur’an manuscripts in the Qur’an Hall. They also highly appreciated the exhibition reflecting national values, including one of the oldest known chess pieces in world history.

 

 

Adama Ndiaye, delegation member and head of the Senegal Tourism Development Agency:

 

To be honest, I never imagined that the Center would be so vast and beautiful. This is a great treasure not only for Uzbekistan but for the entire Islamic world. It is also an invaluable resource for science. We teach at a university, and understanding the origins and major stages of Islamic history is extremely important for us. In many parts of the world, Islam is often portrayed as a conflicting or problematic civilization. But today’s visit has shown us the true essence of Islam: it is a religion of peace, and a religion of knowledge. This religious heritage has encouraged the development of fields such as economics, medicine, astronomy, philosophy, and technology. I believe the historical, scientific, and spiritual treasures presented here should be conveyed to the global scholarly community. Each of us represents not only our respective states but also the OIC — the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. We must consider how we can contribute to the advancement of science within this vast community. This is a tremendous opportunity and a broad platform. Through the ideas of enlightenment, history, science, culture, and progress embodied in this museum the result of your President’s initiative this Center can play a significant role in bringing our states closer. We have a unique opportunity to shorten the distance between people, to connect more, to learn from each other. As a result, the science, history, values, and heritage present here in Uzbekistan will spread across the world, and the world will come to know that the true values of Islam are embodied right here in Uzbekistan.

 

 

At the conclusion of the visit, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Center discussed prospects for further strengthening cooperation in tourism, educational exchange, and scientific projects.