Imam Bukhari Memorial Complex – a pearl of the New Uzbekistan

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

Specifically, a tourist center has been established at the complex. On the adjacent 15-hectare area, modern infrastructure has been developed, including comfortable hotels and service facilities. In particular, one four-star hotel, two three-star hotels, 22 family guesthouses with 176 beds, and a parking area have been built. The facilities are fully equipped with communication networks, and the surrounding area has been landscaped.

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

The memorial complex, covering a total area of 45 hectares, has become a pearl of Samarkand and the New Uzbekistan. The complex features a grand mosque with a capacity of 10,000 people, an administrative building, and a majestic aivan in the national style with 154 columns.

Using advanced information technologies, a unique museum comprising nine pavilions has been created. It presents the life and scholarly heritage of Imam Bukhari, recognized in the Islamic world as the “sultan of the muhaddiths,” as well as his contribution to the development of Islamic enlightenment. The museum also enables visitors to learn about the stories of the 25 prophets mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, the genealogy of the Prophet Muhammad, his life in Makkah and Madinah, and the process of collecting and recording hadiths.

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

The Head of State inspected the facilities created at the tourist center and the mosque.

As is well known, one and a half thousand years of Islamic history and Islamic science are unimaginable without the names of the great scholars and religious figures who grew up on this land. The Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, which has recently opened, reaffirms this truth.

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

In particular, Imam Bukhari’s work Sahih al-Bukhari is one of the six most important hadith collections recognized worldwide. The scholar, who began studying 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 reviewed the construction process of the complex, emphasizing that it should serve not only as a center of pilgrimage but also as a space for knowledge, education, and spiritual guidance and that Imam Bukhari’s knowledge, and exemplary moral qualities should serve as a noble example for pilgrims, especially the youth.

“This unique complex clearly demonstrates the great potential of New Uzbekistan. I believe that this shrine will become a blessed place, spreading goodness and enlightenment for our people and for Muslims around the world. I am confident that young people who visit this shrine and are imbued with 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 reason, it is necessary to expand spiritual and educational activities at the Imam Bukhari complex, transform it into a true school of upbringing, and also enhance professional development programs for imam-khatibs and mahalla activists.

Given the completion of all works, it was proposed to hold tomorrow’s Ramadan Hayit prayer at the new mosque of the complex, which will delight Muslims across the country and serve as a worthy holiday gift for all our people.

This concluded the President’s visit to the Samarkand region.