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19 August, 2026   |   6 Rabī‘ al-awwal, 1448

Tashkent city
Fajr
04:09
Sunrise
05:36
Dhuhr
12:27
Asr
17:16
Maghrib
19:21
Isha
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Bismillah
19 August, 2026, 6 Rabī‘ al-awwal, 1448

A unique “instrument of intellect” created in Samarkand in the 18th century at the Center for Islamic Civilization!

03.10.2025   34188   2 min.
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.

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Project on promoting Pilgrimage Tourism of Uzbekistan in digital space presented in Malaysia

17.08.2026   32477   2 min.
Project on promoting Pilgrimage Tourism of Uzbekistan in digital space presented in Malaysia

Ahead of the 35th Anniversary of Uzbekistan's Independence, a special report titled “New Uzbekistan – Center of Pilgrimage Tourism in the Digital World” was broadcast on the national television channel of Malaysia, “Berita RTM”, reports Dunyo IA.

Within the framework of the television report, Professor Badrul Bin Isa, Head of the Malaysian Academy of SME and Entrepreneurship Development (MASMED) at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), and Professor Norfadilah Kamaruddin, Dean of the university, presented the “Uzbekistan – Malaysia: Creative Tourism” initiative. The project is being implemented with the support of the Embassy of Uzbekistan, jointly with the Tourism Committee and the Center of Islamic Civilization.

Initiative involves creating professional digital content about Uzbekistan’s tourism potential using “visual storytelling”. From August 17th to 31st, a creative team from UiTM, consisting of professional photographers and designers from the faculties of art, design, and media, will conduct film and photo shoots in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khorezm. Primary focus will be placed on the cities' Islamic historical heritage and other landmarks of the country.

Prepared photo and video materials are planned to be distributed via “Instagram”, “Facebook”, “TikTok” and “YouTube”. Students from Uzbek higher education institutions specializing in design, art, tourism, and hospitality will also participate in the project. This will facilitate an exchange of experience in academic, tourism and creative spheres.

In the interview, Professor Badrul Bin Isa noted that the project is aimed at wider presentation of Uzbekistan among the Muslim population of the ASEAN countries. According to him, the digital platforms will be used to tell about the authentic historical heritage of the country, the opportunities of pilgrimage tourism, and modern transformations in Uzbekistan.

“We want Uzbekistan—a country with a rich Islamic heritage, high culture, and hospitable people—to be rediscovered by the residents of the ASEAN region”, Professor stated, also congratulating the people of Uzbekistan on the 35th Anniversary of Independence and expressing hope that the outcomes of the project would become a worthy gift for this milestone date.

Initiative is expected to contribute to the popularization of Uzbekistan’s pilgrimage tourism and attract a larger number of tourists from ASEAN countries.