The National Library of Uzbekistan really has a rich history and significant cultural heritage. Founded in the 19th century as the Tashkent Public Library, it became an important center for the preservation and dissemination of knowledge. Under the leadership of Vladimir Mezhov, the library began to actively collect manuscripts and books, which allowed it to create a unique collection.
In the 1920s, with the growing interest in the cultural heritage of the region, the library significantly expanded its collections, reaching an impressive number of 140 thousand storage units. Assigning the status of a state library was an important step in its development, which contributed to a further increase in funds and improved storage conditions.
The library's designation as the central repository of oriental manuscripts underscored its importance as a scientific and cultural institution. It houses unique written monuments reflecting the diversity of cultural traditions and historical eras. The library continues to play an important role in the research and popularization of oriental literature and history, preserving priceless artifacts for future generations.
You can learn more about the topic in the book-album "The Manuscript and Book Heritage of the National Library of Uzbekistan named after Alisher Navoi" (Volume XLI) in the series "The Cultural Legacy of Uzbekistan".
The main sponsor of the project is the oilfield services company Eriell-Group.