The manuscript of the Uthmanic Mushaf preserved at the Library of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan is currently undergoing codicological examination.
This research involves a team of scholars including Shaykh Alijon Qori Fayzullah, Head of the “Qur’an and Tajwid Education” Department; Kamoliddin Mahkamov, Head of the Library Department; and Jahongir Qori Nematov, Head of the “Qur’anic Studies” Department at Tashkent Islamic Institute.
Shaykh Alijon Qori Fayzullah emphasized the importance of observing accuracy and trustworthiness when studying and reproducing the script of the Mushaf. He highlighted significant rules of orthography and recitation (qira’at) related to the original handwriting of the Uthmanic Mushaf currently kept at the “Muhi Muborak” Madrasa Museum.
The digital copy of the original Uthmanic Mushaf serves as the main object of the study. In preparing the critical text, researchers also refer to other ancient copies of the Mushaf preserved in Turkey and the United Kingdom.
Each line of the manuscript is being carefully rewritten, with verse and line numbers marked in red. Any textual discrepancies found in the 19th-century copied version are noted in the margins and explained through scholarly commentary.
With the support of the Fund for the Development of Culture and Art of Uzbekistan, both local and international experts — including Dr. Christine Rose from the University of Cambridge, French restorers Achel Delaeau and Coralie Barbe, and Nil Baydar, Head of the Istanbul Manuscripts Workshop and Archive Department — have developed a phased restoration plan to ensure the long-term preservation of the sacred manuscript.
Press Service of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan
Russian online publication “Russia News” has published an article titled “Declaration of the Islamic Civilization Forum adopted in Tashkent - What is written in it and why is it important?”, reports Dunyo IA.
Publication states that following the 1st International Forum of Islamic Civilization “The Path of Peace, tolerance and enlightenment”, a Declaration was adopted, which outlines a number of concrete initiatives for the revival and promotion of the humanistic heritage of Islamic civilization.
It is noted that the starting point of the Declaration is the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, voiced back in 2017 from the rostrum of the UN General Assembly. At that time, he proposed to engage in the revival and promotion of the humanistic heritage of Islamic civilization. This resulted in the creation of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan and ultimately, the forum itself.
Document was signed by representatives from more than 40 countries. At its core is a simple but important idea: Islamic civilization has made a tremendous contribution to global science, culture, and education, and this contribution is undeservedly underestimated. This is especially true against the backdrop of the fact that Islamophobia, xenophobia and simply distorted perceptions of Islam remain prevalent in the world.
Publication also notes a number of initiatives aimed at preserving and popularizing the Islamic civilizational heritage. Among them are the creation of the World Alliance of Islamic Civilization, digital platforms and libraries, international research programs, awards, funds, an encyclopaedia, as well as platforms for cooperation among scholars, museums, and youth. All proposals have been submitted to the International Council of the Forum for the development of a roadmap for their implementation until 2030.
In conclusion, the publication notes that the Declaration is viewed not as a finality, but as a starting point for further implementation.