President Mirziyoyev plants tree at Imam Bukhari complex

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Samarkand today, October 30, to attend the opening ceremony of the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference. The President’s press service reported the news.

According to the report, Mirziyoyev first visited the Imam Bukhari Mausoleum, where verses from the Quran were recited and prayers were offered.

The President inspected the final finishing works of the complex and reviewed the ongoing landscaping activities in the area.

On the initiative of the Head of State, the complex was rebuilt to reflect Imam Bukhari’s great status and immense contribution to the Islamic world. Comprehensive facilities have been created for pilgrims.

The territory of the complex has been expanded, and its total area now covers 44 hectares. A revered mausoleum, a mosque accommodating 10,000 people, an administrative building, a museum, and entrance and exit pavilions have been completed. Four 75-meter-high minarets located at the corners of the shrine add grandeur to the site.

The Head of State inspected the ongoing construction works of the new mosque.

Each time the President visits Samarkand, he reviews the construction progress of the complex and emphasizes that this place should serve not only as a pilgrimage site but also as a center of knowledge, enlightenment, education, and moral example. He underlines that Imam Bukhari’s remarkable pursuit of knowledge, scholarship, and spiritual growth should inspire pilgrims, especially the younger generation.

For this purpose, an innovative museum has been established within the new complex. The museum presents the life and scholarly heritage of Imam Bukhari, who is revered in the Islamic world as the “Sultan of Hadith Scholars,” and highlights his contribution to the development of Islamic enlightenment. It also features exhibits about the 25 prophets mentioned in the Holy Quran, the genealogy of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), his life in Mecca and Medina, and information about the compilation and recording of hadiths.

Construction works around the pilgrimage site, including a hotel and other service facilities, are nearing completion. The complex includes one four-star hotel, two three-star hotels, and 22 family guesthouses.

The President gave instructions to ensure the effective operation of the complex, expand visitor amenities, and increase green spaces.

With good intentions, tree saplings were planted on the grounds of the complex.

Today, October 30, President Mirziyoyev will hold bilateral meetings with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. The President of Uzbekistan will participate in the opening ceremony of the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference and deliver a speech expected to include several important initiatives.

It should be recalled that, at the invitation of Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Slovak President Peter Pellegrini arrived in Uzbekistan on October 29 for an official visit.