A new publication about Uzbekistan’s historical figures is in progress
Under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s leadership, the preservation, research, and promotion of ancient written sources, along with the thorough study of the country’s manuscript heritage and the transmission of this heritage to future generations, have become key priorities of national policy.
An updated and expanded edition of the book-album “Historical Personalities in the Masterpieces of the Manuscript Heritage of Uzbekistan” is currently being printed at Mega Basım publishing house in Istanbul, Türkiye, as part of this extensive project. The initiative aims to showcase the country’s unique written heritage to the public, with Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, supervising the process.
This publication, a product of five years of research, showcases distinctive Eastern miniature art from the 13th to 18th centuries. It features representations of rulers, politicians, poets, scholars, and artists linked to the history of Uzbekistan and Central Asia.
The book showcases images of prominent historical figures such as Amir Temur, Mirzo Ulugbek, Alisher Navoi, Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur, Husayn Bayqara, Ibn Sina, and other key figures from the region’s scientific, cultural, and political history. It also features rare photographs of additional historical personalities sourced from collections in international museums and libraries.
Over five years, collaborations were established with more than 200 museums, libraries, and research institutions in Uzbekistan and more than 45 international partners. These include notable collections such as the Freer Gallery in Washington, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the British Library, the National Library of France, Cambridge University Library, and the Topkapi Palace Library. Additionally, more than 50 research expeditions and visits took place.
Extensive research identified 185 miniatures from the 13th to the 18th centuries.
Much of the scholarly basis for creating the book-album comes from extensive research and international projects in the “Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan” series. So far, the series has produced 80 book-albums, many of which focus on the nation’s written and manuscript heritage.
The updated edition was carefully revised, incorporating proposals and recommendations from Uzbek and international experts, and enhanced with new information and analytical materials. Additionally, it features over 20 previously unknown images of historical figures, uncovered in the collections of foreign museums and libraries.
The new edition will enable Uzbekistan’s rich manuscript heritage, including unique Eastern miniature art and rare iconographic sources depicting notable historical figures, to reach a broader international academic and cultural audience.
Nazokat Usmanova, UzA
