Khafiza Mukhtorova was born in Jizzakh, Uzbekistan. She completed her bachelor’s degree at Jizzakh State Pedagogical University and her master’s degree at the Uzbekistan State World Languages University
She is a recipient of the Ilhom Award, the Alisher Navoi State Scholarship, and the A. Feinberg Special Scholarship. Her published works include “Sabuhiy Satrlаr” (2022), a collection of poems, and “Jizzakhning Sharaf-Shoni Sharof Rashidov!” (2022), a collection of analytical and research articles.
Khafiza Mukhtorova currently works professionally in the field of journalism.

Uzbekistan’s Center of Islamic Civilization: Where History Meets Modern Innovation
Located in the heart of Tashkent’s historic Old City, the Center of Islamic Civilization of Uzbekistan is one of the country’s most ambitious cultural and educational projects. More than a museum or architectural landmark, it was created to preserve, study and showcase the rich intellectual heritage of Islamic civilization in Central Asia while introducing visitors to centuries of scholarship through modern technology.
Covering nearly 10 hectares, the complex immediately impresses visitors with its monumental design. Four grand 34-meter-high entrance portals surround the building, while a magnificent 65-meter central dome dominates the skyline, blending traditional Islamic architectural aesthetics with contemporary engineering. The three-story complex has a total area exceeding 42,000 square meters, making it one of the largest cultural institutions dedicated to Islamic civilization in the world.
A journey through centuries of history
The center’s permanent exhibition takes visitors on a chronological journey, beginning with the civilizations that existed in the region before the arrival of Islam and continuing through the scientific, cultural and religious achievements that shaped Uzbekistan’s history.
Rather than relying solely on traditional museum displays, the exhibitions combine ancient manuscripts, archaeological artifacts, historical photographs and immersive multimedia installations, allowing visitors to experience history in a more engaging and interactive way.
One of the most significant spaces inside the complex is the Qur’an Hall, which houses the world-famous Usman Mushaf, one of Islam’s oldest and most revered Qur’anic manuscripts. The manuscript occupies a central place in the exhibition, symbolizing Uzbekistan’s centuries-old contribution to Islamic scholarship and learning.

More than a museum
The Center of Islamic Civilization was conceived not only as a place for visitors but also as a major academic institution.
Its upper floor contains a vast library designed to hold more than one million books, making it one of the region’s largest collections dedicated to Islamic civilization, history and related fields. Researchers, students and scholars will have access to resources that support both academic study and the preservation of historical knowledge.
The complex also incorporates interactive features such as the Time Capsule and Wall of Time, inviting visitors to engage with history in new ways while connecting the past with future generations.
A Guinness World Record achievement
In April 2026, the Center gained international recognition by entering the Guinness World Records as the world’s largest museum of Islamic civilization by floor area. The museum’s exhibition space measures 7,772.8 square meters, while the entire complex spans more than 42,600 square meters across three floors.
The recognition followed months of international verification conducted by Guinness World Records specialists, who praised the project for successfully combining historical heritage with modern museum technologies. The achievement has further strengthened Uzbekistan’s position as an important global destination for Islamic history, culture and education.
A project closely supported by the President
The Center is also closely associated with the vision of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, whose initiative led to the project’s launch in 2017. Throughout its construction and development, he repeatedly visited the complex, offering recommendations on its architectural design, exhibitions and educational mission.
After the center’s opening in 2026, the President once again reviewed its achievements and future plans, emphasizing that it should serve as a platform for presenting Uzbekistan’s rich scientific, cultural and spiritual heritage to the international community.
The center has also become a venue for high-level diplomacy. It has welcomed the presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Azerbaijan, who toured its exhibitions alongside President Mirziyoyev during a regional summit in Tashkent.
A landmark for international visitors
As Uzbekistan continues to attract growing numbers of international travelers, the Center of Islamic Civilization offers a different perspective on the country beyond the famous Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.
Whether visiting as a tourist, researcher or history enthusiast, guests can explore a place where centuries-old manuscripts coexist with digital exhibitions and where architectural grandeur serves a living educational mission.
More than simply preserving the past, the Center presents Uzbekistan as a country where history, scholarship and innovation continue to shape the future, making it one of the most significant new cultural landmarks in Central Asia.

Manevr.az