АNKARA, January 24. /Dunyo IA/.  A representative of Uzbekistan to TÜRKSOY - International Organization of Turkic Culture, Shavkat Ortikov, has published an article in one of Türkiye’s leading newspapers, “Star”, titled “The rising horizon of New Uzbekistan”, focusing on the major cultural and educational reforms implemented in the country in recent years, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The article highlights that under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan is undergoing systemic and long-term transformations in the fields of education, culture, science, the arts and youth development. It particularly emphasizes that the phrase “laying the foundations of the Third Renaissance” has become a frequently used concept in Uzbekistan today.

The author emphasizes that since 2016, Uzbekistan has experienced not only political changes, but also a profound transformation in the relationship between the state and society, alongside a revitalization of the cultural sphere. In this context, the article highlights a new phase in Uzbekistan’s relations with Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and other Turkic states as well as the strengthening of cooperation within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States, TÜRKSOY and other international structures.

The publication emphasizes that Uzbekistan operates on the principle of the inseparable link between economic development and spiritual, moral and cultural progress. Unlike some economically advanced countries, where cultural values do not always take priority, Uzbekistan places special importance on preserving spiritual heritage, national identity and education.

The article pays special attention to the creation of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent - a unique mega-project designed to comprehensively present the over three-thousand-year history of statehood and spiritual development of the Uzbek people. It is emphasized that the Center was established in accordance with the Presidential Decree of 23 June 2017 and has become a key platform for preserving cultural heritage, conducting scholarly research and promoting the authentic humanistic values of Islam.

The article notes that in recent years, Uzbekistan has implemented an extensive program to identify, study and repatriate national historical relics from foreign museums, libraries and private collections. As a result, the country has retrieved hundreds of unique artifacts, including rare Quranic manuscripts, works from the Timurid and Baburid periods as well as the world’s largest collection of Sogdian textiles, acquired through international auctions.

The article emphasizes that the Center of Islamic Civilization integrates science, culture, and spirituality under one roof, presenting the region’s historical trajectory from pre-Islamic civilizations to the era of New Uzbekistan. The Center houses modern libraries, research facilities and international offices of UNESCO, TÜRKSOY, ISESCO and IRSICA as well as educational spaces for children.

In conclusion, the Center of Islamic Civilization is described not merely as an architectural complex, but as a symbol of spiritual revival, historical continuity and New Uzbekistan’s forward-looking aspirations.