Inside Central Asia's Most Ambitious Museum
Rising above Tashkent's historic skyline, the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan stands as a global hub of history, science, and spiritual heritage. Spanning over 45,000 square meters, the complex features a 65-meter turquoise dome and four grand portals modeled after Uzbekistan's iconic UNESCO cities—Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and Kokand.
The center connects ancient Silk Road scholarship with cutting-edge museum technology, offering an immersive journey from pre-Islamic heritage into the regional Golden Age.
Key Exhibition Halls & Sacred Highlights of the Center of Islamic Civilization
1. The Holy Quran Hall & The 7th-Century Uthman Quran
At the physical and spiritual heart of the complex lies the Holy Quran Hall, situated directly beneath the grand 65-meter central turquoise dome and illuminated by a custom 50-tonne Swarovski crystal chandelier. The centerpiece of this hall is the world-renowned Samarkand Kufic Quran (also known as the Mushaf of Uthman). Dating back to the mid-7th century (around 651 AD), this is recognized as one of the oldest surviving written copies of the Quran in the world, inscribed on thick deer parchment in early Kufic script. Surrounding the central display case are intricate mosaic tiles and carved wooden pillars crafted by contemporary Uzbek master artisans, reflecting centuries-old Timurid design traditions. A curated gallery of rare illuminated Qurans from across the Islamic world, spanning the Umayyad, Abbasid, Ottoman, and Mughal periods.
2. Conversing with Legends: The First Islamic Renaissance
Ever wondered what it would be like to ask Ibn Sina (Avicenna) about medicine, or Al-Khwarizmi how he invented algebra?
In the First Renaissance Hall, history gets interactive. Advanced AI avatars and 3D holographic projections bring Central Asia’s legendary polymaths to life. You can explore star charts mapped centuries before the telescope, marvel at ancient medical manuscripts, and see how Silk Road scholars shaped the modern world.
3. Domes, Stars & Empires: The Timurid Gallery
Moving into the era of Amir Timur (Tamerlane), the galleries open up into a world of vibrant turquoise ceramics, gold-leaf calligraphy, and astrolabes. Walk past scale models of Prince Ulugh Beg’s 15th-century observatory and see how medieval astronomers in Samarkand mapped the night sky with stunning precision.
Why Book Your Tickets to Islamic Civilization Centre with Tourmania?
Visiting a site of this scale can involve long entry queues, restrictive security checks, and high demand for daily time-slots. Tourmania simplifies your experience with an all-inclusive cultural and culinary journey.
- Priority Skip-the-Line Tickets: Reserved entry times ensure direct access without waiting in public ticket queues.
- Expert Multilingual Guides: Storytellers who bring complex historical timelines, ancient calligraphy, and Timurid architecture to life in English, Russian, French, Italian or Turkish.
- Included Traditional Uzbek Meal Experience: Pair your cultural excursion with a meal at a handpicked national choyxona (tea house) or traditional restaurant.
Tours mentioned in this guide
Live from the catalog — only published itineraries, with the current USD from-price.
Questions about dates or passports? WhatsApp the Tashkent desk. We do not take card numbers on this website.