The Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan

The delegation included the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Indonesia to Uzbekistan, Professor Mrs. Siti Ruhaini Dzuhayatin; a representative of the Central Board of of Nahdlatul Ulama, the world’s largest Islamic organization, Dr. Haji Soleh Qasim; as well as the leaders of one of Indonesia’s oldest and most renowned educational institutions, Al Falah Ploso — Hazrat Abdurrahman Al-Kawthar and Nurul Huda Haji Jajuli. The guests familiarized themselves with the activities of the International Center.

A key highlight of the visit was the completion (khatm) of Sahih al-Bukhari. Concluding the recitation of this unique work — the second most significant source in the Islamic world after the Holy Qur’an, containing the most authentic hadiths of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) — in this sacred place, near the mausoleum of Imam Bukhari, lent the meeting a special spiritual atmosphere and further strengthened the spirit of friendship and mutual understanding.

As noted by the Center’s Director, Shovosil Ziyodov, Imam Bukhari’s collection is not merely a compilation of hadiths, but a living legacy that serves to purify the human mind, heart, and soul, preserving its value throughout the centuries.

During the scholarly discussions, the unique significance of the work was thoroughly analyzed, including its role in shaping a person’s inner and outer purity, as well as guiding emotional potential toward goodness based on the science of hadith.

A logical continuation of the bilateral dialogue was the discussion of the essence and prospects of the “Umrah Plus” pilgrimage tourism program within the framework of implementing the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated January 9, 2026. The negotiations addressed strengthening Samarkand’s position on the global pilgrimage tourism map, as well as transforming the new Imam Bukhari complex — once commissioned — into one of the key points of the “Umrah Plus” routes for pilgrims from Indonesia. This dialogue, involving representatives of the Tourism Committee and local authorities, will contribute to opening Samarkand to millions of Indonesian Muslims not only as a place of pilgrimage, but also as a major center of scholarship.

At the conclusion of the visit, the members of the delegation visited the Imam Bukhari complex and paid tribute to the great muhaddith. The guests particularly emphasized the high scholarly and spiritual significance of this sacred site for the entire Islamic world.