President Mirziyoyev visits Imam Bukhari complex in Samarkand

The sacred site was recently reconstructed under the president’s initiative to reflect the immense spiritual heritage and high status of Imam Bukhari in the Islamic world. The renovations have significantly expanded the complex’s capacity, allowing it to serve up to 65,000 pilgrims simultaneously – a major increase from its previous capacity of 12,000 visitors per day. Since its reopening on the eve of Eid al-Fitr this year, over 60,000 people have gathered at the site to perform the holiday prayers.

The popularity of the renovated complex is evidenced by recent data, which shows that more than 1 million Uzbek citizens and foreign guests visited the mausoleum within just one month of its opening. During his tour, President Mirziyoyev issued specific instructions to further enhance the environment for these visitors, ensuring they have the best possible conditions to perform their prayers and study the scholar’s legacy.

Key directives included expanding parking facilities for those arriving by vehicle and landscaping the surrounding areas to create a more natural and comfortable atmosphere for leisure and reflection. The president emphasized the need for a systematic approach to maintenance, ordering a comprehensive review of the conditions at the complex every six months to identify and implement further improvements. Furthermore, he noted the importance of inviting imam–khatibs from across the country to the complex to participate in professional development and advanced training programs.

Reflecting on the broader significance of the site, Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated that fostering a culture of pilgrimage and maintaining sacred sites is a vital responsibility. He noted that creating worthy conditions for visitors and honoring the memory of ancestors serves as a crucial factor in the spiritual education and self–awareness of the younger generation.