🏛 The Islam Karimov Scientific and Educational Complex — A Place to Honor and Preserve the Legacy of Independence

The Islam Karimov Scientific and Educational Memorial Complex is named after the First President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Islam Karimov. It is a major scientific, educational, and memorial complex dedicated to perpetuating his life, work, and contributions to achieving the country's independence.

🎯 History and Main Purpose

The complex was established by Presidential Decree on April 25, 2017. It was created to honor the memory of Islam Karimov and to comprehensively study and preserve his legacy.

Its main objectives include:

Promoting the First President’s life, role in achieving independence, state-building, and national achievements;

Highlighting Islam Karimov’s personal and moral qualities, and fostering patriotism among young people;

Conducting research, educational and cultural activities, and hosting international visitors;

Publishing and distributing books, catalogs, and educational materials, as well as maintaining collections and databases.

🧱 Structure and Facilities

The complex includes the following sections:

Museum — documents, collections, and exhibits related to Islam Karimov’s life and career;

Research and Education Center — a hub for studies and enlightenment projects;

Library and Reading Hall — featuring books, articles, and educational resources;

Conference Hall — for seminars, lectures, and international and local events.

🤝 Cooperation and Public Engagement

The complex operates in partnership with the Islam Karimov Republican Charitable Foundation. In addition to its educational and museum activities, it plays a vital role in promoting civic engagement and nurturing the younger generation.

🌟 Significance

The Islam Karimov Scientific and Educational Complex serves as a reminder of the process of building an independent Uzbekistan. It stands as a center for preserving national identity, historical memory, and the values of governance — where every exhibit and event reflects the nation’s path toward progress and prosperity.

October 16, 2025

🕊 Victory Park – A Place of Remembrance and Courage

Victory Park, located in the Olmazor district of Tashkent, is a memorial complex opened on May 9, 2020, at the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in honor of the 75th anniversary of the Great Victory over fascism.

It is a sacred place dedicated to the memory of our ancestors who showed bravery during the Second World War.

The complex includes the “Glory and Honor” State Museum, the “Eternal Courage” and “Hymn of Fortitude” monuments, as well as historical and artistic exhibitions.

📐 Territory and Layout

The park covers an area of 14.6 hectares and is symbolically divided into 12 zones: entrance area, war scenes, central alley, military equipment square, railway station, home front stage, amphitheater, mourning zone, joy zone, victory zone, “Glory and Honor” museum, and thanksgiving zone.

Inside the park, the “Tear of Memory” complex reflects the suffering of war, the patience of our people, and the spirit of interethnic unity.

🏛 Museum and Exhibits

At the center of the complex stands the “Glory and Honor” State Museum, which houses about 20,000 exhibits dedicated to the heroism of Uzbeks during World War II.

The museum has six sections depicting front-line scenes, medical workers, evacuation processes, and the labor of the people.

The “Hymn of Fortitude” monument portrays the figure of Zulfiya Zokirova, a mother who lost five sons in the war, symbolizing the endurance and courage of Uzbek women.

🌟 Monuments and Symbols

In the center of the complex stands the “Eternal Courage” monument — a symbol of national pride and heroism.

Marble plaques and trees are dedicated to each Hero of the Soviet Union, and in the heart of the park, the Victory Order–shaped fountain shines as a symbol of beauty and triumph.

✨ Victory Park stands as a sacred reminder of the bravery, endurance, and devotion of the Uzbek people — where every tree and every monument embodies the nation’s eternal memory.

October 16, 2025

🕌 Islam Khoja Minaret and Madrasa – The History Painted on Khiva’s Sky

Located in the ancient city of Ichan-Qala, the Islam Khoja Minaret and Madrasa are not only architectural jewels but also symbols of Khorezm’s rich history.

Built in 1910, this is the tallest minaret in Khiva, standing 57 meters high — often called “the spear pointing at Khiva’s sky.” 🌆

The complex is named after Islam Khoja, the Grand Vizier of Khan Asfandiyar. He was a progressive reformer who sought to modernize Khiva, introducing new educational systems and promoting science and culture.

🏗 Architecture

The minaret and madrasa are beautifully constructed from baked brick, displaying traditional Oriental elegance. The minaret’s cylindrical body is decorated with colorful glazed tiles in blue and white patterns that shimmer vividly under sunlight.

The madrasa has two stories and 42 rooms, where students once studied both religious and secular sciences.

🌅 Today

Climbing to the top of the Islam Khoja Minaret offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Ichan-Qala — ancient walls, mosques, palaces, and narrow streets that together form a living museum of history.

Now part of the UNESCO World Heritage, the complex is one of Khiva’s most famous landmarks and a must-see for every visitor.

🌟 The Islam Khoja Minaret — a symbol of enlightenment and beauty written across Khiva’s sky.

October 16, 2025

Ark Fortress — the Heart of Bukhara’s History

Located in the center of Bukhara, the Ark Fortress is not only a city symbol but the living witness of the entire history of Transoxiana. For centuries, it has functioned as the palace of the emirs, the center of government, and a military fortification.

According to legends, the foundation was laid by Afrasiyab, though archaeological findings show that its history goes back to the 4th century. Over time the fortress expanded, becoming a large complex with magnificent palaces, mosques, prisons, treasury, library, and the administrative offices of the emirs.

Its high walls, minarets, and gates still remind us of Bukhara’s glory and power. Visitors walking inside can see the emir’s throne, the reception hall, the prison, a mosque, and military command buildings.

These days the Ark Fortress operates as a museum complex. Here you can see weapons, clothing, documents, and historical artifacts from the period of the Bukhara emirate.

🌅 Ark Fortress — the heart of Bukhara, a place where one can hear the voices of past centuries.

October 16, 2025

🧵 Bukhara — the home of craftsmanship

Bukhara is a city where elegance and skill have been perfected over centuries. Every item here reflects art and soul.

🔹 Jewelry, embroidery, carpet weaving, and wood carving — all are priceless legacies of Bukhara’s masters.

They blend ancient techniques with modern design, turning each piece into a symbol of beauty.

✨ Visit Bukhara and witness the true magic of Eastern art!

October 14, 2025

🧵 Khiva — the land of ancient craftsmanship

For centuries, Khiva has been renowned for its unique handicrafts. Every item here is a symbol of art, patience, and mastery.

🔹 Pottery, jewelry, coppersmithing, plaster carving, embroidery, and traditional hat-making — all represent the priceless heritage of Khiva’s artisans.

Masters have passed down their secrets from generation to generation, blending ancient techniques with modern design.

Today, every handmade item from Khiva is not just a souvenir — it’s a living expression of Uzbek spirit, history, and art.

✨ Visit Khiva and witness the magical world of craftsmanship!

October 14, 2025

Bukhara — The City of a Thousand Years and Eternal Spirituality

Nestled in the heart of Central Asia, the ancient city of Bukhara stands as one of the brightest jewels of history, culture, and Islamic civilization. This city embodies the priceless heritage not only of Uzbekistan but of the entire Eastern world. Every street and every brick of Bukhara holds the beauty and wisdom built over countless centuries.

🏛 Ancient Times and Stages of Development

Bukhara’s history spans more than 2,500 years. Archaeological findings show that the city existed as early as the 4th–5th centuries BC. It first emerged as a major trade and craftsmanship center in the land of Sogdiana.

As one of the key crossroads of the Great Silk Road, Bukhara served as a bridge through which silk, spices, gold, and culture flowed between East and West.

🕌 A Center of Islamic Enlightenment

In the 9th–10th centuries, when Bukhara became the capital of the Samanid Empire, it rose to prominence as a hub of science, art, and culture. During this era, great scholars and poets such as Imam al-Bukhari, Rudaki, Firdawsi, and al-Biruni lived and created here.

Bukhara earned the honorable title “Bukhara-i-Sharif” (The Noble Bukhara) within the Islamic world because of its hundreds of madrasahs, mosques, and libraries that flourished at that time.

🏰 A City of Architectural Masterpieces

Bukhara’s ancient monuments, preserved through the ages, continue to amaze visitors today:

• Poi Kalyan Complex — a magnificent ensemble consisting of the Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque, and Mir Arab Madrasah.

• Ark Fortress — the royal citadel that served as the residence of Bukhara’s emirs for centuries.

• Lyabi Hauz Ensemble — a tranquil square centered around a historic pool, surrounded by madrasahs and caravanserais, and one of the city’s most beloved gathering spots.

• Ismail Samani Mausoleum — built in the 9th century, it stands as a masterpiece of early brick architecture in Central Asia.

🌿 Modern Bukhara

Today, Bukhara is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting travelers from all corners of the globe. With its modern hotels, traditional cuisine, ancient bazaars, and warm-hearted people, the city offers an unforgettable travel experience.

Here, history and modernity, spiritual calm and national hospitality blend in perfect harmony.

✨ Conclusion

Bukhara is not just a city — it is a sanctuary of eternal culture and spiritual beauty. Anyone who visits leaves with a piece of Bukhara forever etched in their heart.

If you are planning a journey across Uzbekistan, make sure Bukhara tops your list.

October 14, 2025

Khiva – The Jewel of the East and the City of Timeless History

Nestled in the heart of Central Asia, Khiva stands out among ancient cities with its rich history, unique architectural monuments, and distinctive cultural spirit. This city feels as if time has stopped — where history lives in every brick, every minaret, and every narrow street.

🕰 Ancient History and Legends
According to historians, Khiva was founded many centuries before our era. Legend has it that the city was established by Shom, a descendant of the Prophet Noah. The ancient well called Khivak — from which the city takes its name — still exists today within the walls of Ichan-Kala.

For centuries, Khiva was one of the key hubs along the Great Silk Road, serving as a center of trade, science, and art. During the era of the Khiva Khanate, the city reached great prosperity, with numerous madrasahs, mosques, and palaces built across its landscape.

🕌 Ichan-Kala – An Open-Air Museum
Today, Ichan-Kala, located in the heart of Khiva, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It serves as a bridge between the past and the present. Here, you can explore some of the city’s most magnificent landmarks:

• Kalta Minor – Though its construction was never completed, its turquoise tiles have made it an enduring symbol of the city.
• Juma Mosque – A unique mosque featuring more than 200 carved wooden columns.
• Kuhna Ark – The ancient fortress that served as the palace and administrative center of the Khans.
• Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum – A beautiful shrine dedicated to Khiva’s wise poet and legendary warrior.

✨ Khiva Today
Modern Khiva harmoniously blends ancient heritage with a vibrant tourism scene. Inside the old fortress, travelers can find cozy guesthouses, teahouses serving traditional Uzbek cuisine, and shops offering exquisite handmade crafts — all immersing visitors in an authentic Eastern atmosphere.

Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Khiva — when the city glows with sunlight, music, and the whispers of history.

🌍 Why Visit Khiva?
• A rare cityscape listed among UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• A chance to feel the presence of a thousand years of history
• The finest examples of Uzbek architecture
• Genuine hospitality and a rich national culture

🧭 Khiva — More Than a Journey, It’s a Voyage Through Time
Every minaret and every narrow street draws you into the magical world of the past, where history still breathes beneath the desert sun.

October 14, 2025