Uzbekistan reclaims Islamic heritage in landmark London exhibitions
Rare Quranic artefacts linked to Uzbekistan displayed at Sotheby’s, Christie’s as part of initiative to build Islamic Civilization Centre in Tashkent
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan (MNTV) — For the first time in the United Kingdom, rare Quranic manuscripts and artefacts from Uzbekistan’s Islamic past were exhibited in London, marking a major milestone in the country’s cultural renaissance.
According to Dunyo news agency, the exhibitions were held at the prestigious auction houses Sotheby’s and Christie’s as part of Uzbekistan’s effort to recover and repatriate artefacts lost to private collections and foreign museums over centuries.
The initiative forms a key pillar of the Centre of Islamic Civilization, a major cultural project launched under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s vision for “New Uzbekistan.”
“These are not just artefacts—they are pieces of memory, of identity, and of Uzbekistan’s rightful place as a guardian of Islamic heritage,” said Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director General of the Centre, at the opening ceremony in London.
The exhibits included 9th-century Quranic fragments, miniatures, jewellery, household objects, and textile works—each reflecting Uzbekistan’s historical role as a centre of Islamic learning and cultural exchange.
The artefacts were acquired by the Centre at auctions hosted earlier this year, and are expected to return to Uzbekistan for permanent display in Tashkent.
The Centre of Islamic Civilization, now under construction, will house five major galleries dedicated to Qur’anic heritage, pre-Islamic roots, Islamic renaissances, and the cultural vision of New Uzbekistan. The site spans over 10 hectares and includes more than 8,000 square metres of exhibition space.
International scholars and cultural institutions have lauded Uzbekistan’s efforts. “This is more than a museum—it’s a foundation for cultural revival,” said Sali Shakhsivari of the UK-based Al-Furqan Islamic Heritage Foundation.
Sotheby’s representative Benedict Carter praised the collaboration: “We’re honoured to support Uzbekistan’s mission to reclaim artefacts vital to Central Asian history.”
Uzbekistan’s ambassador to the UK, Ravshan Usmanov, called the exhibitions “acts of historical justice,” reflecting the country’s renewed commitment to preserving and promoting its Islamic legacy.
As Uzbekistan positions itself as a regional cultural leader, the return of these artefacts not only reconnects the nation with its past but also strengthens its voice on the global cultural stage.
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