A Megaproject in Uzbekistan Welcomes Children to an Unusual, Innovative Space

On the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, active work continues on enriching the content of Uzbekistan’s megaproject — the Center for Islamic Civilization — with projects aimed not only at adults but also at engaging youth and children. All discussions with scholars and specialists, lively debates, critical and analytical views taking place at the Center for Islamic Civilization are focused on implementing the tasks and directives outlined by the head of state.

At a recent expanded session of the Scientific Council, it was announced that a large space is being developed within the Center’s exhibitions to attract youth and children with both engaging and educational, interactive, and innovative content.

Salim Ahmad, Director and Producer of the globally renowned “1001 Inventions” company (UK), is currently working on a project within the megaproject — the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan — specifically designed for children. This project focuses on transforming the Center into a modern spiritual and educational venue for children, using cutting-edge technologies.

Salim Ahmad, Director and Producer of “1001 Inventions” (UK):

“Our company places special emphasis on innovative projects aimed at enriching the content of Uzbekistan’s megaproject — the Center for Islamic Civilization — with initiatives that engage not only adults but also youth and children. This attention from the President of Uzbekistan is of great importance in calling on young people and children to pursue science, knowledge, and enlightenment in line with modern demands.

It’s worth noting that the initiative for creating essential content to enrich this megaproject’s exhibitions stems directly from the ideas of the President of Uzbekistan. We are grateful for the support of our company’s participation in developing the child- and youth-oriented content of this megaproject.

Our main focus is dedicated to Muslim civilization. We work on developing exhibitions, books, and films — mainly multimedia products. Our company has operated in more than 40 countries worldwide and continues its activities. Through our projects, we have reached over 500 million people globally.

When creating projects for youth and children, we strive to make them both entertaining and educational. This means blending fun with learning. Our projects are more appealing to children because we aim not only to entertain them but also to increase their knowledge.

Our next project involves creating a children’s exhibition within the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan. We are also preparing a mobile version of this exhibition to be presented across Uzbekistan and later internationally. In addition, we plan to publish a book about inventions from Uzbekistan that have influenced the world. The exhibition area will cover 850 square meters, and the visit duration will range from 60 to 120 minutes. Visitors will first watch a 5–6-minute high-quality short film, after which a screen will open, allowing them to enter the exhibition.

All materials for the children’s exhibition will be approved exclusively by the Center’s Scientific Council. We only use verified content and images. However, we often have additional questions and need assistance, for example, when creating wax figures in the style of Madame Tussauds — including how they should be posed, dressed, and presented.

The interactive exhibition for children will combine two essential elements: history and science. Science holds significant importance. We want children to be inspired by Uzbekistan’s history, science, and inventions. The exhibition will feature 34 sections that include interactive and engaging exhibits. For instance, we aim to bring to life the manuscripts of al-Farghani and Ibn Sina. We will implement this in a fun and practical way. One example is the nilometer. It will contain real water, so children can understand how the system works and observe its functions.

We will also create a separate book about Uzbekistan’s inventions that have influenced the world and show their significance in global science.

We plan to use modern information technologies, especially artificial intelligence. There will also be gesture-based controls using intelligent sensors that respond to hand movements. We will produce toys based on historical events — including children's favorite game, LEGO. Additionally, we will offer equipment for science experiments that children can do at home.

After the discussions, we, together with the project advisors, selected 19 historical figures to be featured in the exhibition. Some will be presented through introductory stories, others through films or games.

It has been announced that the project will be implemented in three languages: Uzbek, English, and Russian.