The architectural complex “Ma’rifat Markazi” (Center of Enlightenment), built on Navoi Street for the 20th anniversary of independence (2011), is one of the most famous buildings in Tashkent. It combines the International Symposium Center and the Alisher Navoi National Library of Uzbekistan.

The exterior of the building is typical of the so-called “Eastern Empire” style: a massive white structure with a dome and columns, blue-tinted glass, and a pseudo-granite plinth. The project was developed by architects from the “Tashgiprogor” institute on the order of the Uzbek Agency for Communications and Informatization (now the Ministry of Digital Technologies).

In 2012, the new library, which traces its history back to 1870, opened to readers. The collection contains approximately 10 million items. The library features several reading halls, rooms for events, and an atrium for exhibitions. The International Symposium Center is used infrequently: significant meetings are usually held in other venues around the city.