A significant international cultural event in Madrid
On 22 April 2026, the international media event “History and Cultural Heritage of the Great Timurids” took place at Casa Árabe in Madrid. This distinguished gathering brought together representatives from culture, politics, and academia to explore the rich historical and cultural legacy of the Timurid era.
The choice of Madrid as the venue also highlighted the growing cultural connection between Spain and Uzbekistan. Casa Árabe provided an ideal setting for intercultural dialogue, placing shared responsibility for global cultural heritage at the forefront.
International voices for cultural heritage
The programme featured a series of high-level contributions from prominent speakers, including:
We were particularly pleased that, alongside the Ambassador of Uzbekistan, the Austrian Ambassador Enno Drofenik also attended the event, further emphasising its international significance and the importance of cultural dialogue.
The event was moderated by Charlotte Kramer, publisher of both, Verlag Müller & Schindler and the Faksimile Verlag as well as CEO of the Universal Art Group, and included speeches, presentations, and visual insights into the cultural heritage of the Timurid period.
Contribution of the Universal Art Group
A highlight of the programme was the presentation by Alexander Wilhelm, Vice President of the Universal Art Group, who introduced the facsimile edition of the renowned manuscript “Zafarnama” from the collection of the British Museum.
The Universal Art Group was delighted to be part of this remarkable initiative. Participation in an event of such international significance reflects the Group’s ongoing commitment to preserving and promoting cultural heritage.
The importance of facsimile editions
A central theme of the presentation was the crucial role of facsimile editions in the preservation and dissemination of historical manuscripts and documents. Facsimiles play an essential role in:
- Accessibility: Making rare and often inaccessible originals available to a wider audience
- Preservation: Protecting fragile originals by reducing the need for direct handling
- Education and research: Enabling detailed study and scholarly engagement
- Cultural exchange: Acting as cultural ambassadors that foster intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding
In the context of the Timurid legacy—whose cultural influence extends far beyond Central Asia—these aspects are of particular importance.
Cultural heritage as a bridge between nations
The event clearly demonstrated that cultural heritage is far more than a reflection of the past. It serves as a powerful bridge between cultures and nations, fostering dialogue, cooperation, and shared understanding.
The collaboration between Uzbek and Spanish institutions, alongside international partners, stands as a compelling example of the importance of cultural diplomacy in the 21st century.
