A major cultural event took place in London. For the first time in the United Kingdom, a collection of rare Quran manuscripts and historical artifacts linked to Uzbekistan’s history and the golden age of Islamic civilization was exhibited. These sacred relics, which had been preserved for years in private collections and museums, are now returning to their homeland, Uzbekistan.

The exhibitions, hosted by the world-renowned auction houses Sotheby’s and Christie’s, form part of a broader initiative to establish the Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent. This project was first proposed in 2017 by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, during his address to the UN General Assembly. In recent years, national and international experts have conducted extensive research to locate and identify lost cultural heritage.

At the two exhibitions held in London, artifacts presented to the international public for the first time drew the participation of leading scholars, experts, senior specialists, and representatives of renowned museums, libraries, and private collections from around the world.

Alongside promoting this major cultural and educational platform – the Center of Islamic Civilization – the President of Uzbekistan is personally overseeing its implementation. The wide-ranging project to return these historical and spiritual treasures to their homeland is being carried out under his direct supervision. As noted by Firdaus Abdukhaliqov, Director of the Center of Islamic Civilization, during the exhibition's opening ceremony, “This is not just about the return of historical artifacts – it is a symbol of restoring memory, reclaiming national identity, and recognizing Uzbekistan’s unique role in preserving Islamic heritage.”

Among the rare artifacts on display were Quran manuscript pages dating from the 9th to 13th centuries, miniatures, exquisite jewelry, household items, textiles, and works of art. Together, they highlight Uzbekistan’s status as one of the world’s key intellectual centers.

The exhibitions, initiated personally by the President of Uzbekistan, represent a significant cultural milestone aimed at inspiring the younger generation. “Such practical efforts to reclaim national heritage serve as a solid foundation for cultural revival,” noted Sali Shahsivari, Director of the Al-Furqan Foundation in the United Kingdom.

Many of the artifacts presented at the exhibitions were acquired during Sotheby’s and Christie’s auctions in May 2024, as part of the Islamic Civilization Center’s ongoing activities.

“It is a great honor for us to collaborate with the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan,” said Benedict Carter, Sotheby’s representative for Eastern Heritage. “We are pleased to have contributed to the return of monuments of special significance to the history of Central Asia.”

Currently under construction in central Tashkent on a site of more than 10 hectares, the Center of Islamic Civilization is set to become one of the region’s largest cultural and educational institutions. Its exhibition space will exceed 8,000 square meters and will include five themed galleries.

Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Ravshan Usmanov, stated:

“Today, Uzbekistan is making tremendous efforts to restore and preserve its historical heritage. Initiatives such as the Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent are an important step in this direction, and it will soon open its doors as a beacon of knowledge and interfaith dialogue. This reflects our aspiration to understand and proudly express our historical identity.”

These exhibitions in London were not only an important cultural event, but also a symbol of the restoration of historical justice. The artifacts on display demonstrated Uzbekistan’s role as an intellectual center of the Islamic world and served as tangible evidence of New Uzbekistan’s ongoing achievements in preserving, studying, and promoting its cultural and historical heritage.