TASHKENT, May 13. /Dunyo IA/. A meeting of the Scientific Council was held at the Center for Islamic Civilization of Uzbekistan, dedicated to presenting the unique artefacts returned to our country to the general public, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

During the meeting, the organizers for the first time showcased to the public rare cultural heritage items — artefacts returned to Uzbekistan.

Participants of the event particularly noted the contribution of the World Society for the Study, Preservation and Popularization of Uzbekistan’s Cultural Heritage (WOSCU), the Center for Islamic Civilization, the OSCE, Art Loss Register, the Metropolitan Police Service, relevant UK government bodies, as well as international experts who actively supported the implementation of this noble initiative.

Among the returned exhibits are 10 unique monuments belonging to different periods of Central Asian history. They are associated with the Kushan Empire, ancient Termez, Buddhist art, and Sogdian culture. Some of the artefacts date back to the 2nd–8th centuries AD. In addition, the returned collection includes a unique cenotaph from the Temurid era. Of particular value are stone sculptures, terracotta objects, and fragments of wall paintings. These finds are linked to ancient centers of civilization on the territory of Uzbekistan, including Kara-Tepa, Fayaz-Tepa, and Dalvarzintepa.

Participants of the meeting showed particular interest in Buddhist-themed wall paintings, as well as terracotta and stucco sculptures reflecting the artistic traditions of Gandhara and early Buddhism. According to experts, these findings testify to the cultural links between ancient civilizations and the high artistic level of the schools of art that existed at that time.

The event also discussed issues related to the scholarly study, restoration, cataloguing, and future placement of these monuments in museum exhibitions.

Speaking at the meeting, Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Center for Islamic Civilization of Uzbekistan and Chairman of WOSCU, emphasized that the protection of cultural heritage has become one of the priority directions of the country’s state policy.

According to him, the return of unique artefacts to their homeland is a practical result of the consistent policy pursued under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, aimed at preserving cultural heritage, identifying it at the international level, and returning it to Uzbekistan.

The event once again demonstrated that the Center for Islamic Civilization of Uzbekistan consistently continues its work on the preservation, in-depth study, and broad international promotion of the country’s rich historical and cultural heritage.