Qatar and Uzbekistan, at a cultural event attended by Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari, Qatar's Minister of State and President of the National Library of Qatar, and Ashraf Khojaev, Uzbekistan's Ambassador to Qatar, celebrated their shared Islamic heritage and cultural ties. The ceremony took place on Thursday at the Diplomatic Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar.
Inauguration of the Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent
Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari, Qatar's Minister of State, described the establishment of the Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent as an important project that will benefit the global community. He added, "This significant initiative from the Republic of Uzbekistan in establishing the Islamic Civilization Center not only serves the culture of Uzbekistan but also aids the global community and highlights the important role of Islamic culture in the world."
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The Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, located in Tashkent, will be officially inaugurated on March 17, 2026. This complex includes a museum, library, and research facilities, featuring exhibitions from pre-Islamic history to the Islamic Golden Age.
Qatar's Role in Cultural Diplomacy
The Minister of State of Qatar also noted the importance of Uzbekistan and Central Asia as significant centers of Islamic civilization, stating that these regions received less international attention during the Soviet era. He also referred to Qatar's role in cultural diplomacy, mentioning institutions such as the Katara Cultural Village, the Museum of Modern Arab Art (Mathaf), and the National Library of Qatar, which contribute to cultural life at local, regional, and international levels.
Ashraf Khojaev, Uzbekistan's Ambassador to Qatar, also emphasized the rich Islamic heritage of the two countries at the ceremony, stating, "This shared heritage establishes a deeper connection between our cultures and regions." He referenced the contributions of prominent scholars from Uzbekistan, including Imam Bukhari, Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi, and Abu Rayhan al-Biruni, in the history of science and culture, adding that these individuals have helped spread knowledge and culture globally.
He also considered the preservation of this shared heritage as more than just a remembrance of history and stressed the importance of passing its lessons to younger generations. Khojaev stated, "This is a clear message to future generations that they should remember this heritage and consider it in their modern endeavors." This philosophy underpins the idea of establishing the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan by Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the President of Uzbekistan, to preserve this heritage and pass it on to future generations.
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