Anglo-Uzbek relations flourish as leading entrepreneur Bakhtiyor Fazilov makes donation to British Library

In a significant boost to Anglo-Uzbek relations, entrepreneur Bakhtiyor Fazilov has donated a valuable collection of books to the British Library.

The fifty-volume series, "The Cultural Legacy of Uzbekistan in the World Collections," offers a comprehensive overview of Uzbekistan's rich cultural heritage.

The ceremony for the handover of the books, held earlier this year, came shortly after Britain’s former Foreign Secretary, Lord Cameron, signed a landmark Declaration on Comprehensive Cooperation with his Uzbek counterpart.

Fazilov, founder of the World Society for the Study, Preservation, and Promotion of Cultural Legacy of Uzbekistan (WOSCU), has been at the vanguard of preserving and promoting Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage. His Society's network of over 400 scholars has been credited with uncovering numerous hidden gems in Uzbekistan.

The donated books showcase Uzbekistan's masterpieces held in leading museums worldwide, highlighting the UK's deep historical interest in the country's diverse culture.

Fazilov, a recipient of the 2022 Avicenna International Prize for his contributions to cultural preservation, expressed his hope that these books would inspire interest and dialogue among international communities. "By promoting the literature, art, and history of Uzbekistan, we strive to encourage understanding and cooperation.

“In an age where digital media often overshadows traditional forms of information, the British Library remains a vital resource for anyone seeking to deepen their knowledge of science, history, and culture. We are immensely proud of having contributed WOSCU’s extensive research on Uzbekistan’s history and culture to such a prestigious global institution as the British Library.”

Jas Rai, the Director of Practices at the British Library, expressed her gratitude for the donation and emphasized the library's interest in further collaboration with WOSCU.

Mr. Fazilov added: “As both Uzbekistan and the United Kingdom continue their journey towards deeper cultural ties, initiatives like these remind us that access to information and cooperation can empower individuals and communities alike. Our aim is to cultivate an environment where knowledge flourishes for generations to come.”

Fazilov's philanthropic efforts extend beyond the British Library. In Samarkand, he has spearheaded the Silk Road Samarkand project, an initiative aimed at revitalising the ancient city and its role as a cultural and economic hub. The project involves restoring historical landmarks, promoting traditional arts, and developing tourism infrastructure.

Fazilov’s philanthropy has extended into the field of education. In 2022, he spearheaded the establishment of the Samarkand International University of Technology (SIUT). The state-of-the-art institution offers cutting-edge courses designed to nurture the next generation of Uzbek engineers and scientists.

The handover of the books came shortly before the start of a landmark exhibition at the British Museum devoted to the Silk Roads and focusing heavily on Uzbekistan and its strategic location at the heart of the trade route. The ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva served as bustling centres of trade, attracting merchants, scholars, and artisans from across Eurasia.

The Silk Roads exhibition features a wide range of artifacts from Uzbekistan, including ceramics, textiles, metalwork, and jewellery, demonstrating the exquisite craftsmanship and artistic traditions that flourished in the region.