Uzbekistan highlights Sufi scholar Makhdumi Azam with new digital exhibition
Center for Islamic Civilization to showcase manuscripts, artifacts, and digital reconstructions exploring scholar’s spiritual and cultural influence
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan (MNTV) — A new exhibition in Uzbekistan’s capital is set to highlight the enduring influence of Makhdumi Azam Kosoni, a 16th-century Sufi theologian and public leader whose teachings shaped the spiritual and cultural fabric of Central Asia.
The Center for Islamic Civilization announced that the exhibition will feature original manuscripts, rare writings, and artifacts linked to Makhdumi Azam, also known as Sayyid Ahmad Khoja Dahbediy (1461–1542).
The display will go beyond traditional curation by incorporating 3D models and multimedia installations, allowing visitors to virtually explore reconstructed sections of his mausoleum complex in Samarkand Region.
Organizers describe the project as more than a commemoration of the past. They emphasize its role in fostering intergenerational dialogue, underscoring how the Sufi master’s philosophy combined spiritual discipline with service to society.
His works on theology and ethics, they note, remain relevant to contemporary discussions on cultural identity and social responsibility.
Born in Kasbi and educated in Bukhara and Samarkand, Makhdumi Azam rose to prominence as a leader of the Naqshbandi order. His synthesis of inward spirituality with public engagement earned him recognition as both a scholar and a community leader.
Historians credit him with influencing not only religious thought but also the broader intellectual and architectural life of the region.
The Center for Islamic Civilization itself reflects this ambition of connecting past and present. Located next to the Khast-Imam complex in Tashkent, the institution was built in the style of medieval Islamic architecture, with four grand portals and a central dome rising 65 meters.
Its facilities include a Quran hall, a 460-seat conference space, and galleries that trace the history of Uzbekistan from pre-Islamic times to the modern era.
Officials say the Makhdumi Azam exhibition will be developed in collaboration with the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan and global research partners, positioning the center as a hub for reinterpreting spiritual and cultural heritage in a contemporary context.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
