Islamic Civilization Center located in the historic Old City of Tashkent, near the Hazrati Imam Complex, the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan is a major cultural attraction that brings together the history, scholarship, and artistic heritage of Central Asia. Initiated by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the project was established by a presidential resolution on 23 June 2017. A symbolic foundation stone was laid on 15 June 2018, during the festival of Ramadan Hayit (Eid ul-Fitr). The Center officially opened in March 2026, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the region's rich past through historical artefacts, rare manuscripts, architectural displays, and modern interactive exhibitions. More than a museum, the Center presents the story of Central Asia's ancient civilizations, the Islamic Golden Age, and contemporary Uzbekistan in one place. Covering more than 10 hectares, the Center is an impressive architectural landmark inspired by traditional Central Asian design. Its three-storey building measures approximately 161 metres in length and 118 metres in width. Four monumental entrance portals, each 34 metres high, frame the complex, while a magnificent 65-metre turquoise dome crowns the building. Inside, spacious exhibition halls, a library, research facilities, and educational spaces combine historical heritage with contemporary museum design. The architecture alone makes the Center worth visiting, while its location near the Hazrati Imam Complex makes it easy to include in a tour of Tashkent's Old City.
The Center presents the history of Uzbekistan and Central Asia through four principal periods: the pre-Islamic era, the First Renaissance, the Second Renaissance associated with the Timurid period, and New Uzbekistan. Together, these exhibitions explore the development of science, religion, architecture, literature, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange along the Great Silk Road. The Hall of Honor celebrates the great scholars and thinkers whose achievements influenced world civilization. Among those represented are Avicenna (Ibn Sina), Al-Khorazmiy, Al-Beruniy, and Al-Farabi, renowned for their contributions to medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy. The hall features 14 monumental arches decorated with intricate mosaic compositions reportedly created using approximately 110 shades of stone. Interactive touchscreens introduce visitors to digital representations of more than 100 historical scholars and thinkers, bringing their ideas and discoveries to life. This exhibition explores the ancient civilizations that flourished in Central Asia before the arrival of Islam. Archaeological objects, including pottery, metalwork, coins, sculptures, and everyday artefacts, reveal the region’s artistic traditions and connections with neighbouring cultures. Among the reported highlights are stone tools associated with the Obi-Rahmat archaeological site, including finds dating back approximately 80,000 years, as well as objects connected with ancient Bactria and the Kushan period. Together, these exhibits illustrate how Central Asia became an important crossroads of trade and cultural exchange. Stretching approximately 250 metres, the Wall of Time presents Central Asian history through monumental artwork, reliefs, and multimedia displays. Historical figures such as Tomyris, Shiroq, and Spitamen represent courage and resistance, while the wider exhibition explores ancient societies, architecture, craftsmanship, and the region's cultural development. The wall provides an engaging introduction to the history of Central Asia, particularly for visitors discovering the region for the first time. The First Renaissance highlights the flourishing of science and scholarship in Central Asia during the medieval period, particularly between the 9th and 12th centuries. Visitors can discover the achievements of scholars such as Al-Khwarizmi, Al-Biruni, and Ibn Sina, whose work influenced mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and philosophy. The Second Renaissance focuses on the cultural and intellectual achievements of the Timurid era. Exhibitions explore the legacies of Amir Timur and Mirzo Ulugbek, alongside the literary and artistic contributions of Alisher Navoi and Sultan Husayn Bayqara. These sections demonstrate the region’s historical importance as a centre of scientific discovery, artistic innovation, and intellectual exchange. The Tolerance Area explores the interaction of different cultures and religious traditions throughout Central Asian history. Architectural models of historic monuments, including the Magoki Attori Mosque and the Samanid Mausoleum, illustrate the region's diverse architectural and cultural heritage. The exhibition highlights the importance of mutual respect and cultural dialogue. The final exhibition section connects Uzbekistan's historical achievements with its present-day development and future ambitions. Contemporary glass installations, LED screens, multimedia projections, and interactive displays present the country's evolving cultural, educational, and technological landscape. The exhibition demonstrates how historical heritage continues to inspire innovation and national development. The Holy Qur’an Hall is one of the Center's most significant spaces, dedicated to the history of the Qur'an and Islamic manuscript traditions. Its principal treasure is the ancient manuscript traditionally associated with Caliph Uthman ibn Affan, commonly known as the Mushaf of Uthman, or the Usman Qur'an. Generally dated to the 7th century, this manuscript is one of the most important early Qur’anic texts associated with the region. Previously preserved at the Muyi Muborak Madrasah within the Hazrati Imam Complex, the manuscript has a special place in Uzbekistan's Islamic heritage. The exhibition also presents other Qur’anic manuscripts, historical translations, Islamic calligraphy, and examples of traditional bookmaking. For visitors, the hall offers an opportunity to explore the relationship between religious faith, manuscript culture, and the history of Islamic civilization. The Center's collections bring together archaeological discoveries, historical manuscripts, works of art, and religious objects reflecting centuries of cultural exchange. Among the Center's notable Islamic relics are a fragment of the Kaaba's Kiswah, the sacred covering of the Kaaba in Mecca, gifted to Uzbekistan by Saudi Arabia, and two historic keys to the Kaaba dating to the Mamluk period. Measuring 17 and 17.5 centimetres in length, the keys are made of copper and brass and decorated with silver inlay. Their inscriptions feature Qur'anic verses: Surah Al-Hajj (22:27) on one key and Surah Ta-Ha (20:14) on the other. Brought from Mecca, these sacred objects hold particular historical and spiritual significance. Their presence at the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan reflects the country's deep connections with Islamic heritage and its longstanding tradition of nurturing renowned scholars, including Imam al-Bukhariy and Imam al-Termiziy. The collections also include materials associated with prominent scholars and historical traditions. Where original objects are held abroad, scientifically produced replicas can help visitors understand their appearance and significance. Digital technology plays an important role in the Center's visitor experience. Interactive displays, multimedia presentations, and digital reconstructions make historical information accessible to visitors of different ages. The Time Capsules and Walls of Civilizations and Discoveries explore historical events, scientific achievements, and cultural connections through visual storytelling. Visitors can explore interactive maps of the Silk Road, discover digital reconstructions of historic cities, and experience educational installations, including virtual archery and a demonstration of traditional bellows used to feed air into a tandoor oven. Digital representations of historical scholars and the Humo AI assistant add a contemporary dimension to the exploration of Uzbekistan's heritage. The availability of particular interactive services may vary. Beyond its exhibitions, the Center supports the study and preservation of cultural heritage through research facilities, library resources, and conservation activities. Its library and historical collections provide resources for exploring Islamic civilization, Central Asian scholarship, and the development of science and education. Conferences, seminars, and educational programmes also contribute to scholarly exchange and public learning. The Center's international cooperation helps promote Uzbekistan's historical heritage and strengthen cultural connections with institutions abroad. In April 2026, the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) recognized the Center as the "Best Museum of the Turkic World." The recognition was announced by TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev. This distinction highlights the Center's role in presenting the shared cultural heritage of Turkic peoples and strengthening international cultural cooperation. The Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent is open daily from 09:00 to 22:00, welcoming both local and international visitors.
Explore the rich history and heritage of Islamic civilization through fascinating exhibitions, interactive digital installations, and the magnificent Qur’an Hall featuring a spectacular projection mapping show.
Visitors can choose guided group tours in Uzbek, Russian, or English, individual visits, and additional services such as audio guides and virtual tours.
Tickets & Admission: Tickets are available online via iTicket.uz and at the Center's ticket offices. Prices vary depending on age, visitor category, and selected services. For the latest ticket prices and visitor information, please visit iccu.uz.
Visitor Guidelines
Please arrive at your scheduled time.
Follow the dress code in religious areas.
Do not touch exhibits without permission.
Flash photography and unauthorized tours are prohibited.
Please respect the Center's rules and other visitors.
Discover the history of Islamic civilization through a unique blend of heritage, culture, and modern technology.
