Samarkand (TDI): On his visit to the mausoleum of Imam Bukhari in Samarkand, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, shared the vision of expanding, renovating, and preserving ancient mausoleums in the country.
A new large-scale memorial complex is being constructed around the mausoleum of Imam Bukhari to accommodate the needs of pilgrims. This mausoleum is a holy site for Muslims and attracts tourists and pilgrims alike.
“We are developing this complex to be worthy of the great merits of our ancestor, Imam Bukhari. Let it become not only a place of pilgrimage, but also a center of enlightenment, education, and spiritual guidance”, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.
During the visit, plans for expansion of other holy mausoleums were also chalked out. Uzbekistan plans to expand the mausoleum Imam Abu Mansur al-Maturidi, by a constructing mosque for 1,500 worshippers, an administrative building, a library, a conference hall, an innovative museum, parking lot, and an ablution area.
Likewise, the sacred site of Mahdum A’zam in Oqdaryo district will also be expanded to include a three-story parking facility and ablution area.
As for Imam Bukhari’s mausoleum, the near-completion complex spans an area of 44 hectares. The construction of a majestic mausoleum and a mosque capable of holding 10,000 worshippers has already been completed.
Four minarets, each 75 meters high, lend a particular sense of monumentality to the complex. A museum, covered galleries, and administrative and auxiliary buildings have also been erected.
Finishing works are now underway, incorporating national traditions and a warm color palette. In addition, the construction of more than 20 hotels with a total capacity of 2,000 guests and walking alleys is also planned.
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In addition to being a cultural center for Muslims, Samarkand also regularly hosts international events. The city remains a focus of development projects as it represents Uzbekistan’s rich history.
In 2022, the “Great Silk Road” tourist complex was completed which raised Samarkand’s status as an international center and gave new momentum to its development.
Nuzhat Rana is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
