TASHKENT, April 30. /Dunyo IA/.  The World Society for the Study, Preservation and Popularization of the Cultural Legacy of Uzbekistan (WOSCU) and Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, in cooperation with international partners, have facilitated the return of unique cultural heritage artifacts from Great Britain to Uzbekistan, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

OSCE, “Art Loss Register”, “Metropolitan Police Service”, relevant UK government bodies and international experts actively participated in this process. As a result of their cooperation, valuable historical items of global significance are being returned to Uzbekistan.

The returned unique cultural heritage artifacts were also highlighted during an international event titled “History and Cultural Heritage of the Great Timurids”, dedicated to the 690th anniversary of Amir Temur, held at the Embassy of Uzbekistan in London.

The event, attended by historians, orientalists, diplomats and cultural figures from Britain and other nations, showcased materials on the history of the Timurid era, the personality of Amir Temur and Uzbekistan’s efforts to preserve cultural heritage. The premiere of a new mini-film, “The Golden Age of the Timurids”, featuring British actor Sir Ben Kingsley, was also presented.

A new publication from WOSCU’s “Cultural Legacy of Uzbekistan in the World Collections” series – “The Central Asian Manuscript Heritage in the Cambridge University Libraries” by Firuza Melville - was also unveiled.

The highlight of the event was the official ceremony for the return of cultural treasures to Uzbekistan. The collection includes 10 unique artifacts from various periods of Central Asian history, linked to the Kushan era, ancient Termez, Buddhist art, and Sogdian culture. Some items date back to the 2nd-8th centuries AD. A rare Timurid-era cenotaph is also among the returned heritage.

Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Center of Islamic Civilization, stated that this process is the result of months of international cooperation involving experts, lawyers, and scholars from various countries.Once the items potentially belonging to Uzbekistan were identified, a special international working group was formed to facilitate their return.

UK law enforcement representatives emphasized the importance of returning cultural heritage to its rightful owner, noting that this process is part of the global fight against illicit trafficking in art.

Detective Superintendent Kerry Wood, Head of the Economic Crime Unit, stated that participating in the return of cultural property to its rightful owner is a key priority for UK law enforcement in combating art-related crime and illicit trafficking.

According to her, being able to return these treasures to the people of Uzbekistan is of great significance. It was also noted that President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's focus on culture, historical memory, and the preservation of national heritage provides a strong foundation for such international initiatives.

Experts noted that stone sculptures, terracottas, and fragments of wall paintings are of particular importance among the returned items. They are linked to ancient civilization centers in Uzbekistan, such as Karatepa, Fayaztepa and Dalverzintepa.

James Ratcliffe, Chairman of the “Art Loss Register”, stated that following the process in London, similar returns will be carried out from other countries where cultural items taken from Uzbekistan are held.This demonstrates that international cooperation and a responsible approach to cultural heritage help restore historical justice and return priceless treasures to their people.

According to Uzbek scholars, these finds serve as crucial scientific sources for studying various periods of the country’s history.

Upon arrival in Tashkent, these items will undergo scientific examination, restoration, and cataloging before being introduced into international scholarly circulation.

At the conclusion of the event, official documents on the return of the cultural heritage were signed. Both parties hailed this process as a vital example of restoring historical justice and international cooperation.