Uzbekistan in Doha
The Art and Culture Development Foundation of Uzbekistan (ACDF), in collaboration with the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, will present Uzbekistan: Heritage in Motion from September 3 to November 28, 2026. The exhibition will explore the cultural and artistic heritage of Uzbekistan, tracing its development from the pre-Islamic history of Central Asia to the present day.
The exhibition brings together 36 museum objects and collections from seven leading museums in Uzbekistan. Among the highlights are the celebrated Afrasiab murals, the Katta Langar Quran, rare manuscripts from the Institute of Oriental Studies, Bukhara ceramics, 19th- and 20th-century national costumes, jewellery, silk textiles and examples of traditional crafts.
The exhibition is organised around four thematic sections. These explore the ancient history of the region, architectural heritage, the intellectual achievements of the Islamic world and the development of traditional crafts. Together, they highlight Uzbekistan’s historical role as an important centre of scholarship, culture and artistic production in the Islamic world.
Particular attention is given to the Samanid and Timurid periods, which played a significant role in the development of Islamic architecture, art and scientific thought across Central Asia and beyond.
Alongside historical objects, the exhibition examines Uzbekistan’s living craft traditions, including decorative arts, textile production and jewellery making. The presentation connects these traditions with contemporary cultural practice, showing how techniques and forms developed over centuries continue to inform Uzbekistan’s artistic identity today.
A public programme will run alongside the exhibition, with lectures, workshops, traditional craft demonstrations and presentations exploring Uzbek ikat and silk production.
The programme will also include a residency by artist Davlat Toshev. From September 3 to 16, Toshev will lead a series of workshops for local artists and exhibition visitors focused on Eastern miniature painting and the Abrū-Bahor technique. Participation will be available by advance registration.
Uzbekistan: Heritage in Motion offers an opportunity to explore Uzbekistan’s cultural history through original museum objects while considering the continuing relationship between heritage, craftsmanship and contemporary artistic practice.
Uzbekistan: Heritage in Motion
Museum of Islamic Art, Doha
September 3 – November 28, 2026
Organised by: Art and Culture Development Foundation of Uzbekistan and Museum of Islamic Art
