Center for Islamic Civilization presented in Beijing
A cultural, educational and media event titled “Uzbekistan - China: Dialogue of Civilizations and Shared Heritage” has been held at the Embassy of our country, reports Dunyo IA.
Event was attended by the leadership of the SCO Secretariat, representatives of the diplomatic corps in Beijing, ministries and agencies, leading think tanks, scientific, academic and cultural circles, as well as Chinese media.
Delegation of Uzbekistan, led by Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Center for Islamic Civilization, participated in the forum.
A comprehensive presentation on the activities of the Center for Islamic Civilization was delivered to the participants, highlighting its unique concept, key expositions, scientific and educational dimensions, as well as its international mission to study, preserve, and popularize the rich heritage of our people. The event also featured the screening of a documentary film on the operations of the Center for Islamic Civilization.
An exposition of over 100 video and photo works reflecting the rich history, culture and modern development of Uzbekistan was also organized for the attention of the participants. The exposition was harmoniously complemented by an exhibition of applied arts and craftsmanship.
Participants expressed a unanimous opinion that the Center for Islamic Civilization, established on the initiative and under the authorship of the President of Uzbekistan, is a spiritual and cultural masterpiece of global significance. The creation of such a unique Center, which has no analogues in the world, reflects the Leader of the country's profound dedication to the history and cultural heritage of his people, and clearly demonstrates the high place of Uzbekistan at the crossroads of civilizations.
As part of the event, permanent expositions were set up within the Embassy building, including a book exhibition dedicated to the history and rich cultural heritage of Uzbekistan, as well as a photo exhibition of the Center for Islamic Civilization.
SCO Deputy Secretary-General Janesh Kain:
- Today, we have been presented with a unique opportunity to become living witnesses to a historic event – the presentation of the majestic building of the Center for Islamic Civilization constructed in Tashkent, which has already acquired global and worldwide significance.
Realization of this cherished goal of the esteemed President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has demonstrated to the entire world the essence and vision behind building the New Uzbekistan, which embodies the spirit of great civilizations.
Uzbekistan has always been a center of education. Great minds of humanity lived and created their works here. Today, we are witnessing the revival of history through this Center, which will play an important role in disseminating information to the world about the wisdom of the Uzbek people.
Han Hua, Co-Founder and Secretary-General of the Beijing Club for International Dialogue:
- Uzbekistan is one of the important centers of world culture and art. In the New Uzbekistan, this manifests itself with particular clarity, thanks to the wise policy of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who, with profound dedication, glorifies to the entire world the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of not only his country but the entire Eastern civilization. Representatives of the Uzbek people have made a powerful contribution to the development of world science and enlightenment.
Country is implementing historic reforms recognized by the global community. The Center for Islamic Civilization strengthens the spiritual foundations of society and this stands as one of the key parameters of Uzbekistan's development.
Journalists from nearly 50 countries will visit the new Imam Bukhari Complex and Samarkand’s major historical monuments
Participants of the International Media Forum “Islamic Civilization: New Perspective — New Discoveries” will travel to Samarkand on August 27. They will visit the newly built Imam Bukhari Memorial Complex, the Imam Bukhari International Scientific Research Center, and the Imam Bukhari Innovation Museum. In the afternoon, a special program will be organized for the participants to explore the city’s historical and cultural heritage sites, including monuments inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The memorial complex is located in the Payariq district of Samarkand Region, at the burial site of the great hadith scholar and theologian Muhammad Bukhari (810–870). He was the compiler of “Sahih al-Bukhari,” which is regarded as one of the most authoritative collections of hadith in Sunni Islam.
Following extensive reconstruction, the complex reopened to visitors in the spring of 2026. It covers a total area of 45 hectares. The complex features a mosque with a capacity of 10,000 worshippers, administrative and service buildings, a colonnaded terrace with 154 columns, 14 blue domes, and four minarets rising to a height of 75 meters. Following the reconstruction, the complex’s daily visitor capacity increased from 12,000 to 65,000.
One of the central components of the complex is the new Imam Bukhari Innovation Museum, comprising nine pavilions. The exhibition is dedicated to the scholar’s life, the history of hadith studies, and his scholarly legacy. The museum also presents information about the prophets mentioned in the Qur’an, the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in Mecca and Medina, and the history of the formation of written hadith collections.
The Imam Bukhari International Scientific Research Center also operates near the complex. The Center is engaged in studying the Islamic scholarly and manuscript heritage, including the works of medieval Central Asian scholars, conducting academic research and preparing translations, as well as promoting international scholarly exchange.
Following their visit to the complex, forum participants will explore historic Samarkand. The city’s major architectural monuments include Registan, the Bibi-Khanum Mosque, the Shah-i-Zinda complex, and the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum. UNESCO recognizes these four sites as key monuments of the historic city inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2001 under the title “Samarkand — Crossroad of Cultures.”
The Samarkand leg will form part of the program of the International Media Forum “Islamic Civilization: New Perspective — New Discoveries,” which will take place in Tashkent and Samarkand from August 24 to 28.