Assalamu alaikum, dear compatriots!

Distinguished guests!

First of all, I sincerely congratulate all of you, as well as our respected elders, scholars, representatives of the public, and our entire people participating in today’s iftar ceremony through regional studios, on the blessed month of Ramadan.

We offer endless gratitude to Almighty Allah for allowing us to reach these great and sacred days in peace and good health.

During the holy month of Ramadan, which symbolizes kindness and compassion, we are all carrying out many good deeds together.

Government and non-governmental organizations, the National Agency for Social Protection, the Mahalla Association, the “Waqf” Foundation of the Muslim Board, “Inson” centers in the regions, and our generous entrepreneurs are providing material and moral support to the elderly, people with disabilities, low-income families, and those in need.

Medical teams are traveling to remote areas, conducting health check-ups for women, children, and the elderly, and seriously ill patients are receiving surgical treatment.

In such blessed days, organizing iftar events across the country has become a good tradition.

All of this contributes to strengthening human dignity, peace, and national unity in our society. The participation of representatives of different nationalities and religious confessions in today’s iftar ceremony is also a clear example of this.

In today’s extremely challenging times, we deeply realize that peace is the greatest and most invaluable blessing, and that the unity of our more than 38 million citizens as one people and one family is our greatest wealth.

We are pleased to welcome representatives of the diplomatic corps in Uzbekistan, which we see as a sign of respect for the гуманistic and tolerant values of our religion and our country’s policy of openness.

Dear compatriots!

On this blessed day of Ramadan, we are witnessing another truly historic event — the official opening of the magnificent and unique complex, the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, built through the intellect and dedicated work of our people.

I sincerely congratulate all of you on this unforgettable day — a true celebration of knowledge and enlightenment.

This unique complex, reflecting our country’s three-thousand-year history, rich culture, and the opportunities of New Uzbekistan, is a great blessing for all of us.

Dear friends!

To build a developed state and a free society, we place above all the priority on knowledge, education, and again education. Our sacred religion also always calls us toward knowledge and enlightenment.

Therefore, at the entrance of the Ulugbek Gate of the Center, we engraved the holy verse from the Qur’an — “Iqra!” meaning “Read!”. This divine word reflects the true essence of Islam.

Nine years ago, we adopted a decision to build this complex and began practical work. This initiative, announced at the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly, was widely supported by the international community, especially the Islamic world.

We approached this large-scale project thoughtfully and carefully. As a result, near the historic Hazrati Imam complex in Tashkent, a unique architectural ensemble with national spirit has been created.

This Center allows visitors to see the treasures of Uzbekistan’s ancient history and civilization in one place and to understand the intellectual and cultural potential of our people.

Everyone who visits this place, especially our youth, will better understand the humanistic essence of Islam and feel proud of their great heritage.

Dear participants!

Our land, located at the crossroads of civilizations, has played an important role in the development of the Great Silk Road. Even before Islam, it was a center of science and enlightenment. With the arrival of Islam, major schools of hadith, theology, Islamic law, and Sufism developed here, and many great scholars emerged.

The works of our great scientists, who amazed the world with discoveries in exact and natural sciences, were also created in the Islamic environment.

To study and promote this priceless heritage globally, we united it under the concept of Islamic civilization.

Despite challenges, we successfully built this complex alongside extensive research. Many previously unknown historical materials were discovered.

Today, Uzbekistan has formed a strong scientific school for studying Islamic civilization, recognized by international experts.

The complex covers nearly 10 hectares, with a total area of 50,000 square meters. It includes exhibition halls such as:

• “Pre-Islamic Period in Uzbekistan”

• “First and Second Renaissance”

• “New Uzbekistan – Foundation of the Third Renaissance”

The museum has been enriched with over 1,500 exhibits, including nearly 800 manuscripts, archaeological findings, and historical maps.

Additionally, 743 original exhibits were brought back to Uzbekistan through international cooperation.

Each exhibit reflects our great history, culture, and national identity.

Where history is understood, there will always be knowledge, development, and justice.

The heart of the Center is the Qur’an Hall, where one of the world’s oldest Qur’ans — the famous Uthman Mushaf — is displayed.

Dear friends!

In 2025 alone, thousands of foreign visitors have visited the Center, showing growing international interest.

Experts from many countries, including France, China, the UK, the USA, UAE, Russia, Turkey, Germany, Italy, and others, contributed to this project.

I express my sincere gratitude to all contributors, including philanthropists such as Alisher Usmanov.

Dear compatriots!

We will continue efforts to bring back and study historical manuscripts from around the world through international research expeditions.

The Center will cooperate with major international organizations such as ICESCO, IRCICA, Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, and others.

It will also serve as a base for education, research, and training of religious scholars.

In the future, presentations about this Center and other Islamic research institutions will be held at the United Nations.

This Center should become a place that inspires new generations of great scholars like Al-Khwarizmi, Beruni, Ibn Sina, and others.

Dear participants!

Like Alisher Navoi once wished for Ulugbek’s legacy to last forever, we also hope this Center will serve humanity for generations.

May our noble people always be safe and prosperous!

May our prayers and fasting in this holy month be accepted!

May Allah protect our people and our homeland!

Thank you all very much. I wish you health and peace!