Mirziyoyev Visits Imam Bukhari Memorial Complex in Samarkand

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev began his visit to Samarkand Region on 18 October with a visit to the Imam Bukhari Memorial Complex. During the visit, he received reports on the implementation of instructions aimed at developing the complex’s tourism potential, promoting Islamic education and expanding pilgrimage tourism.

Verses from the Quran were recited and prayers were offered during the visit. The president stressed the importance of further preserving, studying and promoting Imam Bukhari’s scholarly legacy internationally.

“This great scholar left us all his knowledge and scholarship as a legacy. By continuing to develop this scholarly heritage, we will be able to achieve more,” the head of state said.

He added that Uzbekistan would continue efforts to preserve the legacy of its outstanding ancestors and create conditions to attract foreign visitors to the country’s sacred sites.

“We will do much more to preserve and promote the legacy of our great ancestors. We will create all the conditions for people from around the world to come to Uzbekistan and visit the Centre of Islamic Civilisation and the Imam Bukhari Complex,” Mirziyoyev said.

The memorial complex was rebuilt on the president’s initiative. It remains a pilgrimage destination for visitors from Uzbekistan and abroad. Whereas the complex previously received up to 12,000 visitors a day, the figure now exceeds 65,000.

The complex includes a mosque with a capacity of 10,000 people, a mausoleum and four minarets, each 75 metres tall. Its architectural design is complemented by blue domes.

The complex’s museum, developed using modern information technologies, presents materials on the history of Islam, the lives of prophets and Imam Bukhari’s work as a compiler of hadith. The exhibition also features unique artefacts.

Facilities have been provided for pilgrims, and the services offered are reported to meet international standards. More than 20 modern hotels operate within the complex grounds.