UZBEKISTAN

Uzbekistan’s largest city blends Soviet avenues, Islamic heritage, lively bazaars, modern architecture, leafy parks and vibrant cafés into a dynamic Central Asian hub.

And now, Tashkent is about to welcome an exciting new cultural landmark: The Center of Islamic Civilization is a vast cultural and research complex dedicated to the intellectual and spiritual heritage of the Islamic world. The idea for the center was first announced in 2017, with construction beginning in 2018 beside the historic Hazrati Imam Complex. After eight years of development, the center is expected to officially open this month and is set to become one of Uzbekistan’s most important cultural attractions – and a must-see landmark for visitors.

At the heart of the collection is the legendary Quran of Caliph Uthman, one of the oldest Qurans in existence. Dating back to the 7th century and believed to have been compiled during the reign of Uthman ibn Affan, the manuscript is an extraordinary treasure of early Islamic history. For many years it was preserved within the Hazrati Imam complex in the Muyi Muborak Madrasah, and today it remains one of the most significant relics of the Islamic world. In 1997, UNESCO included the Quran of Uthman in its Memory of the World Register.

The new center will showcase manuscripts, artifacts and exhibitions that tell the story of Central Asia’s great scholars and their remarkable contributions to science, philosophy and culture. More than just a museum, the complex is designed as a hub for research, education and cultural dialogue – offering visitors a fascinating journey into the long and influential history of Islamic civilization in the region.