Ayupov Shavkat Abdullayevich, President, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Could you please introduce yourself and state your name and position?

I am Ayupov Shavkat Abdullayevich, a mathematician and the President of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan. At the same time, I am the Director of the Institute of Mathematics of the Academy of Sciences.

What key factors contributed to the formation of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan as the leading scientific institution of the country?

I will start with the fact that the Academy of Sciences was created in 1945, during the Soviet period, during the war, and we just celebrated the 80th anniversary of the Academy of Sciences. It generally occupies a central place in the country’s scientific ecosystem, and this is not a coincidence. 

Its leadership is due to a number of factors, both historical and structural. But the main thing is a stable focus on fundamental knowledge, strategic thinking and high personal responsibility of the scientific community to society and the state as a whole. I would like to note, especially, that the role and significance of the Academy of Sciences have significantly increased since 2017, thanks to the support of the President of the Republic, Shavkat Maziyev, who was elected President of Uzbekistan at the end of 2016. In general, I would say that 2017 was a turning point not only in the life of the Academy of Sciences, but in the life of the whole state, in all areas of life, both in economics and in the spiritual, and in the support of science and education.

So, first of all, the Academy was and remains the basis of fundamental science. It was here that the leading scientific schools of the country were formed in the fields of mathematics, physics, nuclear technology, chemistry, molecular biology, human genetics, pharmaceutics, oriental medicine, art, and archaeology. These schools played a decisive role in the formation of the scientific north of Uzbekistan.

Secondly, the Academy is a center for the training of the scientific elite. More than 70 percent of PhDs and PhD candidates went through the academic system. Here, not just professionals are formed, but also bearers of scientific culture, capable of formulating and solving tasks of high complexity, critical thinking and generating knowledge required in various sectors, from education to industry.

Thirdly, the Academy has always had strategic thinking. We were the first in the country to start systematic work on the development of priority scientific directions corresponding to the long-term needs of the state. This includes mathematics, which is like the language of all modern technologies; nuclear physics and radiation safety, which are of key importance for energy, medicine, and industry; biotechnology and pharmaceutics, aimed at the development of domestic medicines; human genetics and population dynamics, which open opportunities for personalized medicine; and the art of science, oriental science and archaeology, which allow us to scientifically examine our culture and civilizational identity. The Academy has not just followed trends, it has formed them, laid theoretical and methodological foundations for the direction that today defines the scientific development of the country.

Fourthly, the Academy is constantly adapting to the challenges of time. We are introducing new mechanisms, scientific expertise, and strengthening international cooperation. We are opening laboratories at the intersection of disciplines. We promote scientific diplomacy and actively participate in the formation of state scientific and technical policy.

Special attention is paid to the training of young scientists, the expansion of participation of women in science, and the introduction of digital tools into scientific activity. And finally, the Academy of Sciences is an institutional support for the scientific sovereignty of the country. We unite scientific communities, serve as a point of consolidation of knowledge and expert analysis.

And most importantly, we preserve cultural thinking, which makes possible not only technological, but also civilizational development in Uzbekistan. In short, this is what the Academy does today, which is such an important component of our society.

What is the main mission of the Academy of Sciences today? What key programs and directions does it carry out at the moment?

Today, the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan is at the key stage of its development. Its mission is clearly defined not only by internal tasks, but also by national priorities designated in the Uzbekistan Strategy 2030.

We consider the Academy as an institutional support for the scientific sovereignty of the country. In this regard, its main mission is as follows. First, the creation, development, and strategic application of fundamental scientific knowledge in the interests of sustainable social, technological, and economic development of Uzbekistan, as well as integration into global scientific communities.

To implement this mission, we have defined two complementary directions. The first is to conduct scientific research to solve the problems of the country and region. The Academy of Sciences should be the center of the generation of solutions, not only of knowledge.

We strengthen the applied component of science, directing it to support national priorities, namely agriculture, energy, health care, information technology, ecology, and sustainable use of nature. Today, the country and the region face challenges that require a scientific response. From salinity of soil and lack of fresh water to the creation of competitive drugs, energy stability, and prevention of seismic risks. We are building scientific programs that address these challenges through specific research with measurable results.

And the second is integration into global scientific spaces. We believe that modern science is not a deadlock. The Academy actively develops international cooperation, participates in multilateral projects, and expands partnerships with leading scientific centers in Europe, Asia, and the world. We give priority to the publication of authoritative international journals, to the exchange of scientists, to the attraction of foreign researchers to joint work, as well as to the training of young scientists to participate in global scientific conferences. We strive for the Academy to become not just a network of scientific institutes, but a single academy, a holistic system where knowledge is not only created, but also serves as a basis for making scientific decisions, technological breakthroughs, and the development of scientific sovereignty in Uzbekistan.

Thus, the mission of the Academy of Sciences is not only the creation of new knowledge, but also the transformation of the very model of science in the country. From the development of efforts into a holistic system, from the description of the world to the formation of solutions for the accumulation of knowledge, its application for the benefit of the state and future generations. This is how I imagine the mission of the Academy.

What role does the Academy of Sciences play in the implementation of the project of the Center for Islamic Civilization in Tashkent?

For many millennia, civilizations of world importance emerged in the territory of modern Uzbekistan—large empires, magnificent cities, and priceless architectural monuments.

The scientific and cultural heritage created by our great ancestors, which left an indelible mark on the history of mankind, is especially outstanding. Today, the scientific, historical, and artistic works of these great minds are stored in collections, foundations, libraries, and museums around the world. Respect for its history and culture, care for national and spiritual heritage, as well as the education of the younger generation in the spirit of national and universal human values, play a decisive role in the material and spiritual development of any society.

One of the most important steps in this direction was the adoption of the resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on June 23, 2017, on the measures to create the Center for Islamic Civilization at the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan. As I said, since 2017, not only science, but also spiritual development began in a completely different way. So, naturally, the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan plays a key role in the implementation of this project.

The Academy participates in the formation of a strategy for the development of the Center as a scientific and educational institution and sets the priorities of fundamental research and innovative projects. Such cooperation allows the Center to function not only as a cultural object but also as a large-scale research platform capable of stimulating the development of humanitarian, natural, and social sciences within itself. Without the Academy of Sciences, it is impossible to present the scientific concept of museum exhibitions, guided by the opinion of experts and the public, and to organize a competition of ideas for the content of the hall.

The Academy of Sciences also participates in the establishment of partnerships with international organizations such as UNESCO, ICSCO, AERST, and other international organizations. In addition, the Academy of Sciences is involved in the organization of major international forums, for example, the 8th Congress of Russia in 2024, and other scientific events, and provides the Center with expert support. Thus, the Academy of Sciences plays an active role in the scientific design of exhibitions and digital assets through the restoration of sources and the preparation of personnel for international cooperation and strategic development. The Center of Islamic Civilization is thus becoming an intellectual megaproject that embodies the tradition of science and education, which is the basis of the Uzbek Islamic civilization.

What scientific directions are planned to be developed on the basis of the Center of Islamic Civilization?

As the name suggests, the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan is conceived as a unique scientific, educational, and cultural center, whose mission is the deep study, preservation, and popularization of the rich Islamic heritage associated with the history of the Uzbek-Turkish people and the Central Asia region as a whole. As part of its activities, the Center will engage in a comprehensive study of the history of the Uzbek people and the Central Asia region, and the intellectual, scientific heritage of outstanding scientists, philosophers, and theologians who were born or worked in the region. They include Muhammad al-Kharizmi, Ahmad al-Fargani, Abu Nasr al-Farabi, Abu Ali ibn Sina, Abu Raihan Biruni, Mirza ul-Ubaid, Imam al-Bukhari. Imam al-Tirmidhi, Imam al-Matarudi, Burhanuddin al-Mardinani and many others.

Special attention will be paid to the formation and development of scientific and religious schools. Thoughts on Islamic heritage and the analysis of the composition of scholars from Mayanakha, the formation of classical Islamic science, theology, and art are planned to develop and study traditional Islamic disciplines, such as Fiqh, Tafsir, the interpretation of the Qur’an, Hadith, Kalam, Islamic theology, and others.

What scientific, educational, and cultural tasks are planned to be solved after the opening of the Center in September?

After the opening in September, the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan will become a unique educational and cultural platform aimed at the comprehensive study, preservation, and popularization of the rich Islamic heritage of the region. Its activities will cover a wide range of tasks, among which the following can be chosen.

The first is a scientific task. What is it? It is the study of Islamic science and culture. The Center will engage in an in-depth study of the contribution of Uzbek and Central Asian scientists to the development of world Islamic science and philosophy, such as al-Kharazmi, al-Firqani, ibn Sihau, al-Biruni, al-Farwazi, and others. It is the creation of a scientific database. It will lead to the systematization and improvement of ancient inscriptions, documents, archival materials, and artifacts associated with the Islamic heritage of Uzbekistan and the entire Islamic world.

Further, it is interdisciplinary research. The Center will become a platform for the interaction of specialists in the fields of history, philosophy, religion, philology, art, and natural sciences, as well as the support of doctoral students and young scientists. Research grants, internships, and programs to support young scientists studying Islamic science and civilization will be created.

The next task is educational. What are the educational tasks? These are lectures, seminars, and courses. The Center will organize educational programs for students, doctoral students, and those with a wide range of interests. The topic will cover Islamic philosophy, ethics, science, rights, history, and modern Islamic thinking. This is the development of Islamic sciences in the education system.

The Center will cooperate with universities and academic institutions to implement the disciplines that reflect the scientific heritage of Islamic civilization into the curriculum. The Center will create online courses and educational platforms. In order to expand access to knowledge, the Center will launch remote learning programs available in several languages, including Uzbek, Arabic, and English.

The next task is cultural. The Center will organize exhibitions. The Center will hold permanent exhibitions devoted to the history of Islamic civilization in Uzbekistan, as well as temporary exhibitions of manuscripts, artifacts, and works of Islamic art.

Historical exhibits recently discovered by scientists at the Center will also be presented, as well as copies purchased at auctions in Sotheby’s and Christie’s, and facsimiles delivered from foreign museums and libraries. Cultural heritage will also be popularized. The Center will carry out large-scale projects in cooperation with the World Society for the Study, Preservation, and Popularization of the Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan, such as inscriptions on the monuments of Uzbekistan, cultural heritage of Uzbekistan at World Conferences, cultural events, festivals, book fairs, and media projects.

The Center will promote Islamic art, music, architecture, and traditions. This is a deepening of dialogue between cultures. It will contribute to the development of inter-religious, intercultural dialogue, positioning Islam as a civilization of knowledge, peace, and progress.

Is there any country or organization that would like to partner with the Center?

The Center aims to establish ties with major scientific and humanitarian institutions and universities specializing in Islamic culture, history, and languages. These include Al-Azhar University of Egypt, Institute of Islamic Thought in Malaysia, Al-Qaraoui University of Morocco, and the Center for the Development of Inter-religious, Intercultural Dialogue. The Department of Islamic Civilization plans to cooperate with organizations such as UNESCO in the field of preserving the intangible cultural heritage of Islamic civilization in Uzbekistan. The presentation of the 542nd anniversary of the birth of Zahiruddin Muhammad Babur was a great success and attracted representatives of the cultural and scientific circles of the two countries.

The scientific trip of the group of scientists of the Center for the Development of Inter-religious, Intercultural Dialogue in Spain in 2024 became especially significant. The National Library of Madrid became an important point of visit, another source related to the cultural history of Uzbekistan. Here, we were able to familiarize ourselves with the original manuscripts written by the Spanish ambassador Luis González de Colombia on the state of the United Arab Emirates.

The 4th direction is the program of academic mobility, the planned invitation of foreign scientists and experts for lectures and seminars, the sending of young researchers from Uzbekistan to study abroad, and the organization of joint master’s and doctoral programs. In the course of the visit of the Center for the Development of Inter-religious, Intercultural Dialogue in Spain in 2024, Turkey held a media event in Istanbul, as well as the visit of the largest museums, the signing of memorandums and the conclusion of an agreement that facilitates the enrichment and maintenance of the Center for the Development of Inter-religious, Intercultural Dialogue in Uzbekistan. 

Germany and France are also interested in studying the Islamic Arab influence in the region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Indonesia and Malaysia, as part of the official visit of the President of the Republic of Malaysia, met with representatives of the Museum of Islamic Arts in Malaysia on February 25. During the meeting, the parties agreed to establish cooperation with the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan.

On the initiative of the head of our state, the Malaysian side will provide unique exhibits related to the cultural heritage of Uzbekistan for display in the Center for Islamic Civilization. Thus, the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan is not only the keeper of the great heritage of the ancestors, but also a modern scientific and educational space that forms new perceptions of Islam as a religion and a knowledge of peace and creation. Thanks to the systematic approach based on scientific sources, historical facts, and current achievements, the Center becomes an important platform for international dialogue, uniting scientists, researchers, and cultural institutions around the world around the common aspiration to reveal the fundamental essence of Islamic civilization, its humanistic ideals, and its significant contribution to world culture.

What is the main message you would like to share with the community and our readers about the Center for Islamic Civilization? What do you want them to take away from this conversation?

First, the central element of the Center’s exhibition will be the Koran Hall, where the spiritual masterpiece of the Islamic world, the ancient manuscript of Mus’haf Usman, will be placed. Around it will also be presented the most authoritative manuscript versions of the Koran, created in the era of the Samanids, Karakhanids, Khorezmshahs, Ghaznevids, Seljuks, Timurids, and other dynasties, as well as translations of the Koran into Old Uzbek language.

There will be sections such as the Civilization before Islam, the period of the First Renaissance, the period of the Second Renaissance, Uzbekistan in the 20th century, New Uzbekistan, New Renaissance, as well as the Wall of Time and the Path to History, which are intended to connect different thematic zones of the Center into a single narrative. Historical exhibits, recently discovered by scientists of the Center, as well as facsimile copies brought from foreign museums and libraries will also be presented. The exhibition will reflect large-scale projects carried out in cooperation with the World Society for the Study, Preservation, and Popularization of the Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan, such as inscriptions on cultural monuments, and so on.

The essence of everything that is created in the Center can be expressed in the words of the President of our country, Shankar Tamimzoy—Everyone who visits this Center should clearly see history and realize that Islam is, above all, a religion of peace, progress, and tolerance, and the Uzbek people have made great contributions to world civilization.