INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO THE SPIRITUAL HERITAGE OF ISLAM: QURAN DAY WITHIN THE CULTURAL HERITAGE WEEK

THE FIRST DAY OF THE CULTURAL HERITAGE WEEK: GREETINGS AND DISCUSSIONS

On October 18, the opening ceremony of the International Cultural Heritage Week took place in the conference hall of the World Society for the Study, Preservation, and Popularization of the Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan (WOSCU) in Tashkent. The event, titled “The Phenomenon of the Eastern Renaissance: States, Religions, and Civilizations,” brought together over 250 scholars, experts, and representatives of cultural institutions, as well as media. Among them were more than 20 renowned international specialists.

The Opening of the Cultural Heritage Week in Tashkent: A New Impetus for Global Scientific Dialogue

On October 18, the opening ceremony of the International Cultural Heritage Week in Tashkent took place in the conference hall of the World Society for the Study, Preservation, and Promotion of the Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan (WOSCU). The event, titled "The Phenomenon of the Eastern Renaissance: States, Religions, and Civilizations," gathered leading scholars, experts, and representatives of cultural institutions, with over 100 international participants from 20 countries.

Happiness in Carpets

Pileless carpets, such as gadjari, ok-enli, and kiz-gilam, represent a unique art form that reflects the rich cultural tradition of Uzbekistan. The craftswomen who create these carpets use ancient techniques and symbolism, making each piece not only beautiful but also deeply meaningful. What kind of meaning? We’ll explain here:

Opening ceremony of the Cultural Legacy Week in Tashkent: "The Phenomenon of Oriental Renaissances: States, Religions, Personalities and Civilizations".

On October 18, the opening ceremony of the Cultural Legacy Week "The Phenomenon of Oriental Renaissances: States, Religions and Civilizations" will be held in the Conference Hall of the World Society for the Study, Preservation and Popularization of the Cultural Legacy of Uzbekistan (WOSCU).

"Timurid ceramics as part of the art of Chinese porcelain"

Timurid ceramics and Chinese blue-and-white porcelain represent significant elements of the cultural exchange that occurred in Central Asia during the 15th and 16th centuries. Let's explore how it all began:

Tashkent is preparing to host the international Cultural Legacy Week "The Phenomenon of the Oriental Renaissance: States, Religions, Personalities and Civilizations".

From October 18 to 27, 2025, the capital of Uzbekistan will become the center of international cultural dialogue. Tashkent will host the Cultural Legacy Week "The Phenomenon of the Oriental Renaissance: States, Religions, Personalities and Civilizations", which will include conferences, seminars, forums, exhibitions and presentations. More than 100 foreign scholars and experts, including heads of international cultural organizations, heads of foreign museums and libraries are expected to participate. CNN and Euronews will provide information support.

"Golden Eyebrows" of the Fergana Valley

Women's forehead ornaments of the Fergana Valley and Tashkent are a vivid example of the traditional art and culture of this region. However, the tillya-kosh, or "golden eyebrows," is a special detail:

Charmduzy are masters of all trades from Samarkand and Bukhara

The Charmduzy, leather craftsmen of Central Asia, were renowned for their artistry and skill, creating unique items in front of their clients. In the bustling bazaars of Samarkand and Bukhara, they transformed ordinary pieces of leather into true works of art. Here’s how they did it:

How the headdress was used to determine the status of women in Bukhara?

The telpak and kaltapushak are not only beautiful but also symbolic elements of women's wardrobe in the late 19th century. These headpieces can be used to determine the wealth of urban women in Bukhara. Here’s how:

How Uzbekistan Changed the Life of a Japanese Artist Who Survived the Atomic Bombing

Renowned Japanese artist Hirayama Ikuo survived the atomic bombing in 1945. In 1959, he learns that he is terminally ill with leukemia. At that time, he creates a painting dedicated to the origins of Buddhist teachings, titled 'The Origin of Buddhism,' inspired by the journey of the Chinese monk Xuanzang along the Silk Road in the 7th century. The artist believes that this work might be the last of his life... What happened next? Read here:

How does the magic of suzani work?

Suzani is the main type of wedding embroidery that originally served as a cover for the newlyweds' bed. By the end of the 19th century, suzani covers began to be used as wall hangings as well. However, this beautiful textile product has always held a magical significance for the people of Central Asia, particularly in Uzbekistan. What is that significance? Let’s explore here.

"Mirajnama" at the Court of Louis XIV

The National Library of France has a rich history, beginning with its establishment as the royal library. An important milestone in its development was the accumulation of manuscripts from Central Asia, which contributed to the expansion of knowledge about Eastern culture and literature. One of the key acquisitions was the famous manuscript "Mirajnama," which arrived in Paris in the 17th century. Read here about how this ancient manuscript came into the hands of the Musketeers’ ruler, Louis XIV.

Did Prokudin-Gorsky work as a tax collector in Turkestan?

Pioneer of color photography in the Russian Empire, author of hundreds of photographs of Turkestan and the famous photograph of the Emir of Bukhara, Prokudin-Gorsky made a significant contribution to the cultural heritage of both Uzbekistan and the world. His works are stored in the Library of Congress in the USA, and exhibitions are held worldwide. But was photography his primary occupation, or were the photographs merely a hobby while he earned his living as a tax collector in Turkestan, a role often despised in the regions of the Russian Empire? Let's explore this here.

Suzani, bringing happiness to collectors in the USA

Unique suzanis from the Bukhara Emirate of the 18th century, featuring large medallions and inscriptions by Karman (Kermine), evoke a sense of happiness in the hearts of Bruce and Olive Baganz, who cherish them in their collection in the USA.

The Vatican Library is planning to engage WOSCU in the study of its archives

The Prefect (General Director) of the Vatican Apostolic Library, Mauro Mantovani, has not ruled out the possibility of close collaboration with WOSCU and the involvement of orientalists from the World Society in studying the archives of one of the unique libraries in the world.

Scientists have proposed that the Center for Islamic Civilization (CIC) and WOSCU study the "contract of Muhammad with the jinn" and the robe of the Quran.

During the VIII Congress of WOSCU, dedicated to the activities of the Center for Islamic Civilization, Deputy Director for Research at the State Museum of the History of Religion, Ekaterina Teryukova, presented a report on a collaborative research project titled "Religious and Domestic Cult Objects from Uzbekistan in the Collection of the Museum of the History of Religion: History, Attribution, Restoration," in collaboration with museum researcher Irina Osmanova.

Karakalpak jewelry in the collection of the Russian Ethnographic Museum

Karakalpak jewelry, presented in the Russian Ethnographic Museum, reflects the rich cultural tradition and artistic mastery of this people. Among them, various types of women's pectoral jewelry, earrings, rings and bracelets stand out, each of which carries unique symbolism and meaning.

Alexander the Great and the Riddle of the Cup of Jamshid

The miniature "Seven Sages," dated around 1590, serves as an intriguing example of the interaction between various cultures and traditions in the art of that time. It likely depicts Iskandar (Alexander the Great) surrounded by seven philosophers, who may symbolize the wisdom and knowledge of different peoples studying the Cup of Jamshid.

Uzbek and Turkmen Carpets: Unification of Cultures

The presentation by ethnographer Adjap Bairyeva from Turkmenistan, based on the research of art historian Elmira Gul from Uzbekistan, delivered during the VIII Congress of WOSCU, represents an important contribution to the study of carpet traditions in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The comparison of the carpet-making traditions of these two peoples, especially in the context of cultural dialogue, allows for a deeper understanding of mutual influence and the development of applied arts in the region of the Middle Amu Darya.

How did costume influence Tamara Khanum’s career?

Tamara Khanum, a famous Uzbek actress and dancer, left a bright mark in the history of Uzbek art. Her concert costume, kept in the State Historical Museum, is not only an element of her stage image, but also a symbol of the cultural heritage of Uzbekistan.

Kova is an ancient center of Buddhist culture

Archaeological excavations on the outskirts of the city of Kuva have uncovered the remains of a Buddhist temple dating back to the 7th century. This discovery proves that Kuva became an important center of religious life in its time.

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.

Visit of the delegation of members of the World Society for the Study, Preservation and Popularization of the Cultural Legacy of Uzbekistan from the UAE

Participants in the 6th Congress highly appreciated the efforts of the President and the Government of Uzbekistan in the preservation of the cultural legacy

Muzaffar Sheker: "The work done by Uzbekistan in the field of culture is admirable"

Firdavs Abdukhalikov: "The reforms of the New Uzbekistan yield bright results"

Irina Popova: "Uzbekistan is a country led by people who advocate the preservation of ancient culture"

Sali Shahsivari: I am sincerely glad that cultural projects are fully supported by the President of Uzbekistan

A Documentary Film about the Legendary Uthman Qur'an Made in Uzbekistan

The participants of the 5th International Congress adopted a traditional address to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Appeal of participants of the 5th international congress "The cultural legacy of Uzbekistan: the foundation of a new renaissance" to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev

Work starts on a book-album dedicated to the rarities of Uzbekistan in the collections of Korea

Tokyo hosted an international scientific conference "Uzbekistan and Japan on the Great Silk Road"

Aziz Abduhakimov: project "Cultural legacy of Uzbekistan" is a unique initiative

Firdavs Abdukhalikov, "We must educate our youth"

Presentation of a series of books on the cultural heritage of Uzbekistan was held in Delhi

The author of the project "Cultural Legacy of Uzbekistan in World Collections" was awarded the "Mekhnat Shukhrati" Order

Orientalists of the world appealed to the President of Uzbekistan

Open address of the participants of the 2nd International Congress "Cultural Legacy of Uzbekistan" to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sh.M. Mirziyoyev

On March 16, 2018, an international media forum dedicated to the implementation of the project "Cultural Legacy of Uzbekistan in world collections" was held in Tashkent

The Russian Academy of Sciences will hand over copies of ancient manuscripts to Uzbekistan

Russian libraries and museums will receive a catalog of Uzbekistan's cultural legacy

"Cultural Legacy of Uzbekistan" gathered world scientists in Tashkent and Samarkand