The reopened Imam Bukhari complex for tourists can accommodate 65,000 pilgrims.
The shrine previously had the capacity to serve 12,000 pilgrims per day.
In the Islamic world, Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Ismail al-Bukhari, recognized as the "Sultan of Hadith Scholars" and "Amir al-Mu'minin fil Hadith" (Commander of the Faithful in Hadith), is a source of pride not only for Uzbekistan but for the entire Muslim world. His life, scholarly legacy, and spiritual influence have held a significant place in the religious and moral life of Muslims for centuries.
A press tour to the Imam Bukhari complex, which officially opened in Samarkand on March 19 of this year, was organized by the Tourism Committee and the Journalists' Association.
"On the eve of the blessed Ramadan holiday, we once again pay our respects to the pure soul of our great compatriot, the Sultan of Hadith science, His Excellency Imam Bukhari. Our ancestor Bukhari created the book of hadiths, the most authoritative source after the Holy Quran, and is a great figure who gained fame throughout the Islamic world. Our sacred land is worthy of all the pride we can take for having given the world such a famous scholar," said the head of state during his visit to the Imam Bukhari complex on the eve of this year's Ramadan holiday.
The scholar's grave in the village of Khartang has been a sacred pilgrimage site for centuries. The first major memorial complex was built in 1997-1998 on the occasion of the 1225th anniversary of the scholar's birth. However, on the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, work began in the blessed days of Ramadan 2021 to completely reconstruct the complex. The goal of this grand project was explained as making the complex worthy of Imam Bukhari's high status in the Islamic world and creating the most modern conditions for pilgrims. The grand opening ceremony of the new complex took place on March 19, 2026.
The total area of the renovated complex was significantly expanded to 65 hectares (the main part of the pilgrimage site is 44-45 hectares). At the center of the complex are a mosque, minarets, a mausoleum, and iwans. A grand mosque capable of accommodating 10,000 worshippers at once was built. The interior, pillar-less part of the mosque measures 38x38 meters, creating a spacious area for prayer. The main dome has a diameter of 19 meters and a height of 54 meters. During Eid holidays, the complex, including its courtyard, can receive 35-40 thousand people.
At the four corners of the complex stand four majestic minarets, 74-75 meters high, giving the pilgrimage site a special grandeur. The renovated mausoleum of Imam Bukhari was built to dimensions of 14.0x14.0 meters (previously 9x9) and a height of 27-28 meters. A gallery has been created in the underground part of the mausoleum so pilgrims can view the scholar's grave directly. The complex features majestic iwans crafted in the national style with 154 ornately carved columns. Each of the entrance and exit iwans covers an area of 684 m².
Unique Stones
The finest stones brought from various corners of the world were used to decorate the exterior and interior of the complex.
The Snow White Thassos stone (Greece) used on the exterior of the complex is one of the whitest marbles in the world, quarried from the island of Thassos. Its main characteristic is that it retains a low temperature even on hot days and significantly reduces the transfer of solar heat into the building.
The Afghan white marble was presented to the complex as a special gift from the government of Afghanistan.
Aran White stone (Turkey) was chosen for the interior of the mosque and its columns, adorned with exquisite carvings in the national style.
Furthermore, Baltic Green stone from Finland, Moleanos stone from Portugal, as well as emeralds and similar precious stones were used in the decorations.
The iwan columns are made from stones brought from India, with national patterns delicately carved into them.
Comfortable conditions have been created for pilgrims within the complex area. While this sacred site previously served 12,000 pilgrims per day, it now has the capacity to provide services meeting international standards to 65,000 guests.
Hotels and commercial service points have been established around the pilgrimage site.
The Imam Bukhari memorial complex has now begun its activities anew as one of the most important centers of spirituality and enlightenment in Uzbekistan today. The complex is a worthy expression of respect for the great scholar's incomparable contribution to Islamic sciences.
