A unique “instrument of intellect” created in Samarkand in the 18th century at the Center for Islamic Civilization!
Uzbekistan’s first auction house — Art Vernissage — donates a unique artifact to the Center for Islamic Civilization
During the international expert forum “The Legacy of the Great Past — the Basis of an Enlightened Future” held in Tashkent, the country’s first auction house, Art Vernissage, presented the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan with a rare 18th-century artifact a brass astrolabe created in Samarkand in 1711.
This 21-cm scientific instrument is equipped with interchangeable plates, allowing its use across different geographical latitudes. Thanks to this feature, the astrolabe was considered a multifunctional scientific device of its time.
For reference: in the Islamic world, the astrolabe was not merely an astronomical tool but a symbol that combined scientific progress, practical application, religious devotion, and artistic mastery. It served as a reliable guide not only for astronomers but also for travelers, sailors, and merchants.
Great scholars such as Al-Khwarizmi, Al-Fargani, and Al-Biruni described in detail the structure and use of the astrolabe in their works, further highlighting its prominent role in Islamic civilization.
“This perfect instrument, especially between the 15th and 18th centuries, was recognized as one of the most advanced devices in the world. We hope this astrolabe, now part of the Center’s exhibition, will reflect the profound knowledge and craftsmanship of Islamic scholars and leave a lasting impression on all visitors”, said Shavkat Sultanov, Director of the Art Vernissage auction house.
This donation has further enriched the Center’s exhibition and strengthened the country’s intellectual environment and cultural dialogue.
As a reminder: at the international forum held at the Center on September 26–27 this year, more than 100 experts scholars and researchers, heads of museums and libraries, and heritage specialists from over 20 countries took part. Representatives of prestigious institutions such as IRCICA, ICESCO, TURKSOY, the World Islamic League, Oxford University, the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Christie’s contributed with lectures and analyses.
The international community highly praised President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s initiatives to preserve the humanistic essence of Islam and to foster intercultural dialogue.
Erhan Afyoncu: Uzbekistan is the land of the most magnificent cities of the Turkic civilization
Prominent Turkish historian, Rector of the National Defense University, Professor Erhan Afyoncu, speaking on the analytical program “Circle of Thought” (Akıl Çemberi) on the leading Turkish television channel “CNN-Türk”, shared his assessments regarding the rich historical heritage and tourism potential of Uzbekistan, reports Dunyo IA.
In his speech, Professor Afyoncu characterized Uzbekistan as a unique geography home to the most magnificent cities of the Turkic civilization. “Uzbekistan represents a distinct geography. It is the land where the most beautiful cities of our civilization are located. Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Tashkent are situated precisely on this soil”, he noted.
Addressing the youth, the Turkish historian emphasized that in an era characterized by vast opportunities for international travel, it is vital to first discover the countries of the Turkic world and connect with the land of their ancestors. “My advice to the youth: since convenient opportunities for traveling abroad exist today, begin by traveling across the Turkic world. Go, see and connect with the ancestral soil. Only then should you visit the lands where the Seljuk state was established, the professor said, adding that such journeys are deeply beneficial for young people, enriching their historical memory and worldview. The level of beauty found in Samarkand cannot be encountered in many places around the world. It is exceptionally important for Turkish youth to see their own geography and their historical cities”, Erhan Afyoncu noted.
Professor also specifically highlighted Uzbekistan as one of the primary cradles of the Turkic civilization and a center of science, emphasizing that the country is highly attractive not only from historical and cultural perspectives but also from a geographical standpoint. Answering the question of the program host, Fulya Ozturk: “So for you, among the countries of the Turkic world, Uzbekistan comes first, correct?”, Professor Erhan Afyoncu stressed: “Naturally, Uzbekistan holds a special place...”.
This presentation by the professor will further contribute to the growing interest of the Turkish public in the historical cities, rich cultural heritage and tourism potential of Uzbekistan.
