Pilgrims of the “Umrah+” program, a presidential initiative, are discovering the history of Uzbekistan in a new light
A virtual dialogue with the figures of Abu Rayhan Biruni and Mirzo Ulugbek, an exploration of the legacy of great scholars through interactive technologies, and a fresh understanding of centuries of history — such were the impressions of the latest visit by participants of the “Umrah+” program to the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan.
Implemented at the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the “Umrah+” program aims to integrate the Umrah pilgrimage with an introduction to Uzbekistan’s profound historical and cultural heritage, to develop pilgrimage tourism, and to expand international cooperation. The educational visits to the Islamic Civilization Center organized under the program allow pilgrims to gain first-hand insight into the country’s scholarly and spiritual heritage and the contribution of great scholars to world civilization.
Today, another group of pilgrims taking part in the “Umrah+” program visited the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, where they learned about the country’s scholarly and spiritual heritage, the work of great thinkers, and their contribution to the development of world civilization.
The opportunity to interact with AI-driven digital likenesses of historical scholars aroused particular interest among the pilgrims. Interactive solutions enabled them to learn about the scholarly work and discoveries of historical figures in a format that differs from a conventional museum display.
Manira Hosilova, a pilgrim, shared her impressions:
“We had only read about these things in books, but here we were able to see their legacy come alive. I hope people around the world come to appreciate our great scholars — such as Biruni, Khwarizmi, Navoi, and Bukhari. This heritage deserves global recognition. We express our sincere gratitude to the President for creating such opportunities.”
A virtual dialogue with Biruni and Ulugbek
One of the features that particularly caught the pilgrims’ attention was the opportunity to interact with the figures of Abu Rayhan Biruni and Mirzo Ulugbek.
Through advanced multimedia technologies, these digital figures enabled guests to ask questions and receive comprehensive insights into the scholars’ lives, scientific research, and enduring discoveries.
Murshida Isfandiyorova, a pilgrim, shared her thoughts:
“I had long dreamed of coming here, and today that wish has finally come true. I especially enjoyed the opportunity to put questions to the scholars and receive real-time answers. I look forward to returning home and sharing these impressions with my family; I truly want to bring my children here so they can experience it as well.”
Mavluda Nurmuhamedova, pilgrim:
“Young people can learn a great deal by coming here. Our guides are explaining everything, and we can hear it all clearly through the headphones. I was deeply impressed. I must come again, because seeing this place just once is not enough.”
Such visits, organized within the framework of the “Umrah+” program, offer participants a closer acquaintance with Uzbekistan’s scholarly and spiritual heritage before they set off on their pilgrimage. At the end of the visit, having seen first-hand through modern exhibitions the historical facts they had previously read about in books, the pilgrims expressed their wish to pass this heritage on to their children and the wider public. The impressions gained at the Center not only heighten the pilgrims’ interest in their own history but also strengthen their desire to pass on the legacy of the great scholars to future generations.
