Through studios located in the regions, representatives of the older generation and the general public took part in the event. Representatives of various nationalities and religious confessions, the diplomatic corps, and international organizations were also present.
At the beginning, the Head of State once again sincerely congratulated all our people on the holy month of Ramadan. Gratitude was expressed to the Almighty that the country is celebrating these blessed days in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
The month of Ramadan is a symbol of care and attention, kindness, and good deeds. Governmental and non-governmental organizations, the National Agency for Social Protection, the Mahalla Association, the Waqf Foundation of the Muslim Board, “Inson” centers, and entrepreneurs provide moral and material assistance to the elderly, persons in need, persons with disabilities, and low-income families. Medical teams travel to remote and hard-to-reach areas, conduct examinations of women, children, and veterans, and perform surgeries on seriously ill patients.
It was noted that these good deeds enhance human dignity and strengthen an atmosphere of peace and national unity in society.
The Head of State emphasized the need for an even deeper understanding of how great and truly invaluable a blessing peace is in today’s very turbulent times, and that the greatest wealth is that the country’s more than 38 million people live as a friendly and united family.
The fact that representatives of the diplomatic corps in Uzbekistan also participated in the event was perceived as a sign of respect for the values of our religion – humanism and tolerance – as well as for the state’s policy of openness.
It was noted that this day marks another historic event for our people – the official opening of the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan.
“I sincerely, from the bottom of my heart, congratulate all of you on this historic event, when the dreams and aspirations of many generations of our ancestors have come true, a true celebration of science, spirituality, and enlightenment”.
“I congratulate all of you, our entire people, on the creation of such a unique and magnificent complex, which has become a vivid reflection of our glorious three-thousand-year history and rich culture, as well as the great potential of New Uzbekistan!” the President said.
As noted, to build the foundation of a developed state and a free society in the country, the highest goal is being implemented: “science and education above all”. After all, this is precisely what our sacred religion calls for. Therefore, the fact that the sacred verse of the Quran, “Iqra!” – “Read!”- is inscribed on the Ulugbek Portal at the Islamic Civilization Center carries profound symbolic meaning.
The noble initiative to build the Center, announced at the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly, received support from the international community, especially the Islamic world. The project has been implemented thoughtfully and in accordance with scientific research and studies.
As a result, an entire eastern-style town with a unique architectural appearance imbued with a national spirit has emerged near the Hazrati Imam complex.
Within the Center, in a unified educational space, one can simultaneously see the pearls of Uzbekistan’s ancient history and civilization, and clearly appreciate the intellectual and cultural potential of the Uzbek people.
“Here, every person, especially young people, will be able to understand the true values of Islam better and realize the great heritage of which we are the heirs”, the President noted.
It was emphasized that, to study and promote more deeply the spiritual heritage not only of the country but of the vast region worldwide, a decision has been made to present it under the unified title “Islamic Civilization”. It was noted that, according to international experts, Uzbekistan has demonstrated to the world that a distinctive scientific school for the study and promotion of the heritage of Islamic civilization is being formed in the country, with significant intellectual potential.
Touching upon the scale and capabilities of the Center, the President noted that this unique complex is located on a site of nearly 10 hectares, and the total usable area of the building is 50,000 square meters. It features such exhibition halls as “The Pre-Islamic Period on the Territory of Uzbekistan”, “The First and Second Renaissance”, and “New Uzbekistan – the Foundation of the Third Renaissance”.
Significant work has been carried out to form and enrich the museum’s exhibitions. In the past year alone, they were supplemented with more than 1,500 exhibits, including around 800 ancient manuscripts, archaeological finds, and historical maps. It was emphasized that cooperation has been established with foreign auction houses, major collectors, and art dealers, and 743 original exhibits have been brought into the country.
In the main hall of the Center – the Hall of the Holy Quran – one of the six oldest Qurans in the world, the Uthman Mushaf, has taken its worthy and honored place. Rare Quran manuscripts from various periods are also collected here.
As noted, the Islamic Civilization Center already attracted great interest from thousands of foreign visitors in 2025. Among them were heads of state, parliaments and governments, deputies, senators, ministers, ambassadors, scholars, and public figures, as well as leaders of religious organizations. Highly qualified specialists from France, China, the United Kingdom, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, Türkiye, Germany, Spain, Italy, Malaysia, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, India, Central Asia, and several other countries also took an active part in the design and construction of the Center, and its equipment with modern information technologies.
The Head of State expressed sincere gratitude to the skilled designers, builders and engineers, scholars and ulema, foreign partners and experts, in particular members of the World Society for the Study, Preservation and Popularization of the Cultural Legacy of Uzbekistan, as well as all dedicated individuals who made a worthy contribution to the creation of the complex. Separate thanks were also extended to domestic and foreign entrepreneurs, as well as figures of culture and sports, who provided sponsorship support for the construction of such a grand structure.
“Starting the construction of the Islamic Civilization Center, I set myself the goal of finding and bringing to our country any manuscript or exhibit related to our history, wherever in the world it might be located. Today, praise be to the Almighty, we have achieved this. And we will certainly continue this work”, the Head of State said.
It was noted that new international scientific expeditions will be organized to identify and study rare manuscripts held in various countries worldwide. Domestic and foreign scholars, as well as leading research centers worldwide, will be involved in this work.
It was emphasized that to expand the scope of the Center’s activities, offices of organizations such as ICESCO, IRCICA, the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, the Timurid Art and History Association in France, and TURKSOY have been established through international cooperation. It is planned to create all necessary conditions to strengthen cooperation with them.
It was noted that the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan has also found a new residence in the Center. The expediency of organizing work here on the in-depth study of Islamic heritage, improving the qualifications of religious figures and imam-khatibs, and developing international cooperation was emphasized.
In the near future, it is planned to hold a presentation at the United Nations headquarters by the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, as well as by the international research centers of Imam Bukhari, Imam Termizi, and Imam Maturidi.
The President emphasized that this Center will become a fundamental base for spiritual and educational activities. It is here that senior students of the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan will study, while teachers will enhance their knowledge and qualifications. Most importantly, the Center should become a strong spiritual support for young people, contributing to the emergence of new Khwarezmis, Berunis, and Ulugbeks, Ferganis and Ibn Sinas, Bukharis and Termizis.
In this regard, the Head of State addressed scholars and researchers, poets and writers, religious figures and ulema, directors and artists, journalists, and the creative youth.
“May your scientific research, works of fiction, cinema and theater productions, paintings, and programs inspired by this unique heritage resonate throughout the world as the voice of the three-thousand-year history and culture of our people. May they glorify New Uzbekistan as a country of peace and kindness, knowledge and enlightenment, and serve the education of our youth!” the President said.
In conclusion, the President expressed confidence that the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan will forever remain a platform for peace, kindness, knowledge, and enlightenment, offering opportunities to our people and the international community alike.
At the iftar ceremony, surahs from the Holy Quran were recited, and prayers were offered, asking the Almighty to accept the fasting and prayers performed during the holy month of Ramadan, and to protect our Motherland and people.
