Uzbekistan has launched the Islamic Civilisation Centre in Tashkent to showcase the historic contributions of Islamic scholars to science and global culture [1].
The facility serves as a diplomatic and cultural hub designed to counter misconceptions about Islamic heritage. By highlighting advancements in mathematics, astronomy, and medicine, the center seeks to position Central Asia as a historical crossroads of knowledge and peace [2, 3].
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev inaugurated the center on March 17, 2026 [4]. Since its opening, the site has become a major attraction, drawing thousands of visitors each day [5].
Building on this momentum, the center hosted the first International Islamic Civilisation Forum this month. The event brought together more than 450 religious leaders, scholars, diplomats, and officials [6]. These participants represented more than 50 countries, focusing on the preservation of heritage and the fostering of international cooperation [6].
The forum served as a catalyst for new global partnerships. During the gathering, delegations launched more than 70 international projects aimed at cultural exchange and academic research [7].
These initiatives focus on the intersection of faith and reason—specifically how historic Islamic scholarship influenced the modern scientific method. The center aims to strengthen ties between Uzbekistan and other nations, including Qatar, through shared cultural values and mutual academic interests [8].
“The center seeks to position Central Asia as a historical crossroads of knowledge and peace.”
The establishment of the Islamic Civilisation Centre reflects Uzbekistan's strategic effort to balance its secular governance with a state-led revival of Islamic identity. By framing Islam through the lens of science and civilization rather than purely religious practice, the government is projecting a moderate image to the international community while asserting its role as a leader in the Islamic world.
