Uzbekistan’s newly inaugurated Islamic Civilisation Centre reflects the country’s efforts to preserve the legacy of renowned Muslim scholars while strengthening cultural co-operation with Qatar and the wider Islamic world, ambassador Ashraf Khodjaev has said.
Speaking at a presentation in Doha dedicated to the Islamic Civilisation Centre, the envoy described the institution as a major national project initiated by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in 2017 and inaugurated recently.
The event was attended by a number of dignitaries, including HE the Minister of State and Qatar National Library (QNL) President Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kawari, HE the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Secretary-General and Qatar Committee for the Alliance of Civilisations Chairman Dr Ahmad Hassan al-Hammadi, MoFA Protocol Department director Ibrahim Yousif Fakhro, HE the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and chairman of the Board of Directors for the Doha International Centre for Interfaith Dialogue Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh al-Nuaimi, and Katara Cultural Village general manager Prof Dr Khalid Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, in addition several ambassadors and diplomats.
Khodjaev said the centre holds special significance not only for Uzbekistan but also for the broader Islamic world, highlighting the country’s rich intellectual and spiritual heritage rooted in the historic cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.
He noted that the region produced some of the Islamic world’s most influential scholars and scientists, including Imam al-Bukhari, Imam al-Maturidi, al-Khwarizmi, al-Beruni and Mirzo Ulugbek, whose contributions shaped the development of mathematics, astronomy, medicine and philosophy.
“The Islamic Civilisation Centre was created to preserve and present this extraordinary legacy in a modern and meaningful way, particularly for younger generations,” Khodjaev said.
He described the centre as more than a museum, saying that it is envisioned as a platform for education, research, dialogue and cultural exchange.
Khodjaev also lauded Qatar’s role in promoting culture, education and diplomacy, citing institutions such as the QNL, Katara, Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) and Education City.
“Both of our countries recognise that long-term development is ultimately built not only through infrastructure and economic growth, but through investment in people, education, culture and historical memory,” he said.
The envoy stressed the importance of helping younger generations remain connected to their identity, values and intellectual heritage, especially in a rapidly changing world.
He also highlighted Central Asia’s historical role as a crossroads of civilisations where knowledge, trade and ideas connected different parts of the world.
Khodjaev thanked Al Jazeera Media Network for supporting plans to produce documentary films about the Islamic Civilisation Centre and other historical landmarks and personalities from Uzbekistan.
The ambassador invited people in Qatar to visit Uzbekistan and explore its cultural and historical landmarks, including the newly inaugurated Imam Al-Bukhari Complex in Samarkand, which he described as one of the region’s most important spiritual and cultural projects.
He also revealed ongoing co-operation between the MIA and the QNL on a special publication featuring artefacts and manuscripts linked to Uzbekistan’s history that are preserved in museums across Qatar.
Khodjaev thanked Qatari officials and institutions for supporting efforts to deepen cultural and intellectual ties between Uzbekistan and Qatar.
