Islamonweb

Samarkand — Uzbekistan has completed major development works at the Imam Bukhari Memorial Complex, significantly expanding one of the Muslim world’s most important spiritual sites, with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev personally reviewing the newly built facilities.

The upgraded complex, developed on the President’s initiative, has been transformed into a large-scale religious, educational, and tourism hub. Authorities say the site can now accommodate up to 65,000 pilgrims daily, a sharp increase from its previous capacity of around 12,000.

Spread across 45 hectares, the complex includes a grand mosque with a capacity of 10,000 worshippers, an administrative building, and a traditional aiwan supported by 154 columns. The architectural design features 14 blue domes and four 75-metre-high minarets, giving the site a distinctive and monumental presence.

A newly established museum—built with advanced digital technologies—offers an immersive experience into the life and legacy of Imam Bukhari, widely revered as the “Sultan of Muhaddithīn.” The museum also presents exhibits on the history of prophets mentioned in the Qur’an, the genealogy and life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and the compilation of ḥadīth literature.

To support growing visitor numbers, a 15-hectare tourism zone has been developed around the complex. It includes a four-star hotel, two three-star hotels, 22 family guest houses with a total of 176 beds, and modern service facilities, all supported by upgraded infrastructure and landscaped surroundings.

Officials say the project reflects Uzbekistan’s broader efforts to position itself as a center of Islamic scholarship and heritage. The reopening of the nearby Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan further reinforces this vision, highlighting the region’s historic contribution to Islamic sciences through figures such as Imam Bukhari and Imam Tirmidhī.

During his visit, President Mirziyoyev emphasized that the complex should serve not only as a place of pilgrimage, but also as a hub for education, spiritual development, and youth engagement. He called for expanded scholarly and community programs to ensure the site becomes a “school of enlightenment.”

With construction now complete, authorities have proposed holding Eid prayers at the newly built mosque, describing it as a symbolic gesture marking the culmination of the project and a significant moment for the Muslim community in Uzbekistan.

About the author:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Otabek Mukhammadiev is Deputy Director of Imam Bukhari International Scientific Research Center, Samarkand, Uzbekistan