“Innovative idea”. Plastic frames are installed in the ancient monument in Bukhara

Reports on Facebook have surfaced, indicating that plastic and aluminum frames have been installed in the "Masjidi Kalon" mosque in Bukhara. The Cultural Heritage Agency has responded to the situation.

In accordance with Article 27 of the Law "On Protection and Use of Cultural Heritage Objects," the "Masjidi Kalon" mosque in Bukhara city was handed over to the representative office of Muslims in the Bukhara region for use as a mosque. It has been determined that the plastic and aluminum frames mentioned in the reports were installed by the mosque administration in 2016 to enhance the comfort of worshippers.

Project-estimate documents for the restoration, repair-restoration, and beautification of the "Masjidi Kalon" mosque, based on the "2023 Addressed Program for the Restoration and Repair-Restoration of Cultural Heritage Objects" approved by the government and developed and approved by the Scientific-Expert Council under the Cultural Heritage Agency and relevant organizations.

Currently, as part of the first stage of the mosque's restoration, the roof is being repaired and structurally strengthened based on this project.

According to the project, the plastic and aluminum frames in the mosque will be replaced with traditional wooden frames that match the building's architecture. These replacement works are scheduled to be carried out in the second stage of the repair.

The statement also addresses the issue of entrance tickets, stating, "Regarding the matter of entrance tickets to the mentioned object, we would like to inform you as follows: Entrance to the mosque is indeed subject to a fee for local and foreign travelers, while separate entrances for worshippers and pilgrims will not incur charges. Proceeds from the sale of entrance tickets will be utilized for the maintenance and ongoing upkeep of the facility."