Oscar-winning actor Sir Ben Kingsley will host and narrate a series of ten short documentaries for the Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Established by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the centre is one of the region’s largest cultural and educational initiatives.
In the ‘Whisper of Wisdom’ series, Kingsley highlights Uzbekistan as the homeland of great minds such as Mirzo Ulugbek, Al-Khwarizmi, Amir Timur, Avicenna and Alisher Navoi, showcasing their contributions to science, mathematics, literature and philosophy.
«We reveal the history of those who shaped Islamic civilisation,» Kingsley says. «Uzbekistan preserves the legacy of great scientists and continues to inspire humanity.»
The films, aimed at an international audience, will be broadcast on Euronews, CNN and BBC World. They present Uzbekistan’s heritage in a modern multimedia format and support the centre’s mission to create a global scientific and cultural hub.
The $200 mln, three-storey centre, opening in March 2026, features a 65-metre dome housing the Mushaf of Uthman, one of the oldest Qur’anic manuscripts recognised by UNESCO. Visitors will also see manuscripts, scientific instruments and interactive exhibitions covering breakthroughs in algebra, astronomy, medicine and philosophy.
Experts have praised the centre’s combination of science, technology and spiritual traditions, calling it a major landmark in the region. The complex is designed as a hub for scholars, students, cultural figures and creative industries from around the world.
