A unique manuscript of the work "Khamsa" has been discovered in London.

A delegation from Uzbekistan, currently in the United Kingdom, visited the auction houses "Christie's" and "Sotheby's" in London.

During the visit, Sarah Plumbly, head of the Islamic and Indian Art department at Christie's, provided the guests with a brief overview of the organization's history and activities. She discussed several rare exhibits and works of art housed in the auction house. Among them, Plumbly showcased some manuscripts. One of these is a manuscript of the work "Khamsa," copied in 1524 by the representative of Eastern classical literature, Khoja Kirmani. Another is the poem "Shams and Mushtari," transcribed in Tabriz in 1494 by Shamsuddin Muhammad Assar. Both manuscripts were created under the influence of the book art of the Timurid era.

Following this, representatives from the Center for Islamic Civilization visited another auction house in London, "Sotheby's." The delegation members were welcomed by Benedict Carter, head of auction sales. The staff at the auction house provided the representatives of the Center for Islamic Civilization with information about cultural artifacts related to the heritage of Central Asia that are currently in the house's possession.

In particular, they discussed an 8th-century Sogdian costume, ceramic vessels from the Samanid period, ceramic tiles from ancient buildings, and manuscripts of the Quran, which are believed to have been copied during the Mamluk and Timurid periods.

The head of the Center for Islamic Civilization proposed collaboration with the auction houses. Additionally, representatives from the auction houses were invited to the "International Week of Islamic Cultural Heritage," scheduled to take place in March 2025 in Tashkent.