The Imam Bukhari Memorial Complex – A Pearl of New Uzbekistan

 President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed the completed construction works and the conditions created at the Imam Bukhari complex.

At the initiative of the Head of State, the complex was rebuilt in accordance with the high spiritual authority and great scholarly legacy of the outstanding collector of hadiths, who holds a special place in the Islamic world. All necessary amenities have been created for pilgrims.

In particular, a tourist center has been established at the complex. In the adjacent 15-hectare area, modern infrastructure has been developed, including comfortable hotels and service facilities. Specifically, one four-star hotel, two three-star hotels, 22 family guest houses with a total capacity of 176 places, and a parking area have been built. These facilities are fully equipped with utility networks, and landscaping works have been carried out throughout the area.

As a result, whereas the Imam Bukhari complex previously received 12,000 pilgrims per day, its capacity now allows it to serve 65,000 pilgrims daily.

The memorial complex has become a pearl of Samarkand and New Uzbekistan. Its area covers 45 hectares. Within the complex, a large mosque with a capacity of 10,000 people, an administrative building, and a majestic pavilion in national style with 154 columns have been constructed.

Using the most advanced information technologies, a unique, innovative museum consisting of nine pavilions has been built. It presents the life and scholarly legacy of Imam Bukhari, recognized in the Islamic world as the “Sultan of Muhaddiths”, as well as his contribution to the development of Islamic enlightenment. The museum also features historical accounts of 25 prophets mentioned in the Holy Quran, the genealogy of the Prophet Muhammad, information about his life in Makkah and Madinah, and the process of collecting and compiling hadiths.

Fourteen blue domes and four 75-meter minarets give the site a majestic appearance.

The Head of State also reviewed the conditions created in the tourist center and the mosque.

As is well known, one and a half millennia of Islamic history and Islamic scholarship cannot be imagined without the names of great scholars and religious figures who were born and reached the heights of knowledge on this very land. The Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, officially opened these days, once again confirms this truth.

 When it comes to the science of hadith in the Islamic world, our land is undoubtedly among the first to be mentioned. This is because such great hadith scholars as Imam Bukhari and Imam Termizi were born in this land.

In particular, Imam Bukhari’s book “Sahih al-Bukhari” is one of the six most authoritative hadith collections recognized worldwide. The scholar, who began studying the science of hadith at the age of ten, authored more than 20 works, which continue to serve the Islamic ummah to this day.

Each time the President visited Samarkand, he became familiar with the progress of the complex’s construction, emphasizing that this place should become not only a center of pilgrimage, but also a space for knowledge, education, and spiritual guidance, and that the great research, knowledge, and exemplary moral qualities of Imam Bukhari should serve as a noble example for pilgrims, especially for the youth.

“This unique structure clearly demonstrates the enormous potential of New Uzbekistan. I believe this sacred site will become a blessed place, spreading goodness and enlightenment to our people and all Muslims around the world. I am confident that young people who visit this shrine and are inspired by its spiritual atmosphere will understand the true essence of Islam and will not stray from the right path”, the President said.

It was emphasized that, for this very reason, it is necessary to widely organize spiritual and educational activities at the Imam Bukhari complex, to transform it into a true center of learning, and to strengthen advanced training programs for imam-khatibs and mahalla activists.

Considering the completion of all works, it was proposed to hold tomorrow’s Ramadan Hayit prayer at the new mosque in the complex, which will bring joy to Muslims across the country and serve as a worthy festive gift for the entire nation.

Thereupon, the Head of State concluded his visit to Samarkand region.