News WOSCU
The role of suzani in family rituals
The art of embroidery in Uzbekistan has deep roots and extensive traditions, reflecting the rich cultural history of the region. Embroidery, especially in the form of suzani, occupies a central place in the life of the Uzbek people and plays an important role in various family rituals.
Connecting Europe and Asia through the Hungarian Library
The Oriental Collection of the Library of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences contains 776 manuscripts in the Turkic language, each of which has its own history. And the collection of the library in Budapest itself is unique. Agnes Kelekseni, Head of the Oriental Collection Department, Library and Information Center of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, spoke about this and much more in her video report.
Writing is not just a way to express thoughts on paper
From the 9th and 10th centuries to the beginning of the 20th century, our ancestors created a vast written heritage in Arabic, Persian, and Turkic languages.
Part of the Ulugbek Madrasah in a museum in Germany
The Berlin Museum of Islamic Art was founded in 1904. Its collection is based on arts and crafts, as well as archaeological artifacts from almost all parts of the Islamic world. One of the artifacts is a star-shaped marble tile that probably decorated the Ulugh Beg Madrasah in Samarkand
WOSCU and the Hermitage - a decade of cooperation
One of the most famous Russian museums, the Hermitage, has been cooperating with the World Society for the Study, Preservation and Popularization of the Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan (WOSCU) for almost 10 years. Over these years, dozens of articles have been prepared on various topics related to the history of Uzbekistan, two volumes from the series “Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan in World Collections” dedicated to the Hermitage collection have been published, and a third volume is being prepared. The fourth is on the way. Pavel Lurye, head of the Central Asia sector of the Hermitage’s Oriental Department, philologist, specialist in ancient Iranian languages, archaeologist, head of the Penjikent expedition and custodian of the Khorezm collection, spoke about this long-term cooperation and the history of the museum’s collection in his report at the VIII International Congress of WOSCU.
Hadiths and wishes on ceramic dishes
Glazed ceramics decor of the 10th-12th centuries. Excellently reflect the significant changes that came to the culet and art of the Central Asian region as a result of the spread of Islam. Completely new characteristics of Islamic art.
The inscriptions on the monuments of Bukhara are an unread book
All the epochs and each of these dynasties left their marks in the architectural looks of old Bukhara. The bulk of old buildings were lost or overhauled. Nonetheless, the surviving landmarks witnessed various kinds of attitude.
Bukhara jewelers
One of the showcases of the exposition of the State Museum of Applied Arts and History of Crafts of Uzbekistan presents the products of Bukhara jewelers.
Ichigi - called makhsi or mardona
In the past, making footwear, like any other craft, was something between amateur craftsmanship and genuine art.
Nozigardon necklaces
The origins of jewelry in Uzbekistan are lost in the depths of millennia. In the 19th century, the largest centers of this craft were Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, Karshi, and Kokand.
The mausoleum in Shahrisabz, reminiscent of Shahi Zinda in Samarkand
The "Dar ut-tilavat" complex, comprising the Gumbazi Sayyidan mausoleum, is considered a special "religious-ideological center" within the vast burial ground in Shahrisabz.
Do you know who translated the Greek names of the stars into Arabic?
As is known, the famous astronomer al-Sufi was born in 903 CE in Rayy and died in 986 CE in Shiraz.
To whom is the manuscript of the work "Tazkirat al-awliya" dedicated?
It is known that the Turkic (Chagatai) language and the Uyghur alphabet, along with Persian, were in constant use among the Timurid and Turkic-Mongol aristocracy of the empire.
The gems of the National Library of Uzbekistan
The gems of the Manuscript, Unique and Highly Valuable Editions Fund of the National Library of Uzbekistan are the works of Alisher Navoi.
"The Katta Langar Qur'an" finds a prominent place in Moscow's Islamic Museum
Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Center for Islamic Civilization of Uzbekistan and Chairman of the WOSCU Board, participated in the XX International Muslim Forum "The Path to Peace: Dialogue as the Foundation for Harmonious Coexistence," held in the capital of the Russian Federation, Moscow.
"The Canon of Medicine"
Among the approximately forty medical works preserved to this day, one of Ibn Sina's greatest writing stand out: "Kitab al-Qanun fi-t-tibb" ("The Canon of Medicine"). This work has not only left a significant mark in the history of medicine but also served as a foundation for further research and practice across various cultures.
Traditions and Symbolism in the art of Suzani
The art of Suzani likely emerged in the Central Asian khanates in the mid-18th century. It is typically classified into several schools: the Bukhara school (including Nurota, Shahrisabz, Karshi, and other cities), the Samarkand school (with centers like Urgut, Tashkent, and Pskent), and the Fergana Valley school, which encompasses its settlements.
Mani and Behzad: Masters of Eastern Miniature Art
In Islamic tradition, Mani is revered as the founder of painting, an unparalleled artist of his time. His famous work “Arzhang” is considered one of the greatest artistic achievements of antiquity. Mani's influence on Eastern miniature art was so significant that artists and connoisseurs of Eastern painting regarded him as the foremost master for centuries.
Black Engobe Bowl: The Art and Heritage of Nishapur
The black engobe bowl is an important element of Uzbekistan's cultural heritage. Originating from Nishapur, it reflects the high level of craftsmanship of local potters in the 10th century, when the city was a key trading center of the Samanid Empire.
Uzbek Silk Weaving Art
In the second half of the 19th century, the art of silk weaving flourished in the oases along the Great Silk Road, with the seven-colored khan-atlas standing out. These unique fabrics were produced in workshops that employed a division of labor.
Uzbekistan to Publish Encyclopedia on Great Scholars in Collaboration with Turkey
As previously reported, from September 15 to 19, a delegation led by the Director of the Center for Islamic Civilization of Uzbekistan, Chairman of the WOSCU Board F. Abdukhalikov, held a series of events, roundtables, presentations, and exhibitions in Turkey.
The Role of Craftsmen and Labor in Timurid Art
During the Timurid period, influenced by the Sufi order of Naqshbandiya, craftsmen occupied an important place in society. Artisan guilds became not only centers of production but also spiritual development, facilitating the emergence of images of ordinary people and their labor in miniature painting.
Early Illustrations of the “Zafar-nama”: The Art and Politics of Timur’s Era
The earliest known illustrations of the "Zafar-nama," dating back to the first half of the 15th century, were created in Shiraz during the reign of Ibrahim Sultan. One such manuscript (1435-1436) is housed in the Metropolitan Museum in New York.
The most favorite jewelry of brides in Samarkand and Tashkent
The origins of jewelry in Uzbekistan are lost in the depths of millennia. In the 19th century, the largest centers of this craft were Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, Karshi, and Kokand. Each center had its own shapes and decorations.
WOSCU gift to Suleymaniye Library: A Precious "Kattalangar Quran"
During the Center for Islamic Civilization delegation's visit to Turkey, the World Society for the Study, Preservation, and Popularization of Cultural Legacy of Uzbekistan (WOSCU) presented a valuable copy of the “Kattalangar Quran” as a gift to the Suleymaniye Library in Istanbul.
What is special about the "Bibliotheque Orientale" from the collection of the National Library of Uzbekistan?
"Bibliotheque orientale" (Oriental Library or Oriental Encyclopedia) is one of the oldest books in our collection.
What old foreign editions are kept in the National Library of Uzbekistan?
The collection includes publications from the famous Aldus Manutius printing house, books published by the Danish company Elzevir (16th–18th centuries), as well as over 4,000 Western European books, which are valuable sources for studying the history, literature, and art of Western European countries.
How is the collection of the National Library of Uzbekistan replenished these days?
Today, the collection is replenished with books received from other departments and institutions, as well as publications donated by private individuals.
Exploring the “Rami” Library in Istanbul
The WOSCU and Center for Islamic Civilization delegation is currently at the “Rami” Library, a prominent library in Istanbul.
Photo Report from the Suleymaniye Manuscript Library
Photo Report from the Suleymaniye Manuscript Library
Visit of the Delegation of the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan to the Center for Islamic Studies (ISAM)
On September 18, 2024, a delegation from the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan visited the Center for Islamic Studies (ISAM) in Istanbul. As part of the visit, presentations and discussions were held to strengthen cooperation between the two institutions in the field of Islamic studies and cultural exchange.
Exploring the Innovative Experience of the Historical Museum “Panorama 1453”
As is well known, the geographical location of Istanbul has undoubtedly contributed to its incredible rich cultural and historical past. This city has played a crucial role in history and has experienced numerous events that changed its fate.
A preliminary agreement was reached with the publishing house "Mega Basim" for the publication of book-albums.
The delegation of the Center for Islamic Civilization of Uzbekistan, currently in Turkey, visited the publishing house "Mega Basim."
Photoreport from the media event “Uzbekistan-Türkiye: Common Roots and Common Heritage”
Photoreport from the media event “Uzbekistan-Türkiye: Common Roots and Common Heritage”
The media event “Uzbekistan-Türkiye: Common Roots and Common Heritage” started at IRCICA
Today, at the Research Center for Islamic History, Art, and Culture (IRCICA) under the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), an event was launched, organized in collaboration with the Center for Islamic Civilization of Uzbekistan, WOSCU, and IRCICA.
The Delegation from the Center for Islamic Civilization Continues to Study Turkey's Experience in the Field of Museum Affairs
A delegation led by Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Center for Islamic Civilization under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Chairman of WOSCU, continues its visits to museums in the Republic of Turkey.