On March 22, 2025, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev embarked on a significant visit to the Samarkand region, where he examined numerous projects aimed at enhancing religious and cultural sites. His first stop was the revered Imam Bukhari mausoleum, an important Islamic site, where he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate the month of Ramadan in such a blessed location.
"We express our gratitude to the Almighty for allowing us to meet these great days in peace and tranquillity. Let there always be peace and prosperity in our country, and let all good beginnings come to life. We are creating this complex worthy of the great achievements of our ancestor Imam Bukhari," Mirziyoyev stated. This complex, which encompasses an impressive 44 hectares, has seen the completion of a large mausoleum capable of accommodating 10,000 pilgrims, distinguished by its four majestic 75-meter-high minarets, emphasizing the site’s monumental significance.
The President's visit underscored the ongoing construction and future plans for the complex, which will include museums, administrative buildings, and even more than 20 hotels with a total of 2,000 beds for pilgrims and tourists. The blend of functionality and cultural reverence aims to turn the area into a vibrant religious tourism hub.
This year marks a special occasion, as Uzbekistan will widely celebrate the 1155th anniversary of Imam Abu Mansur al-Moturidi. Plans have been set for additional infrastructure at his mausoleum in Samarkand, which is also crucial for local and regional spiritual life. As part of the project, a grand gathering place for 1,500 people will be constructed, alongside a library, a conference hall, and an innovative museum.
Additionally, President Mirziyoyev visited the International Tourist Center 'Great Silk Road.' Established in 2022 as part of broader efforts to enhance Samarkand's international standing, this center aims to provide top-notch service for international visitors. The President observed the ongoing improvements designed to facilitate better experiences for foreign delegations and tourists alike, including the construction of a new concert hall equipped with advanced acoustic technology.
“We are making every effort to create additional amenities for hosting foreign delegations and for conducting bilateral meetings more effectively,” he added during his inspection. As Samarkand prepares to host major international events this year, such as the first Central Asia – European Union summit and the Climate Forum, the region is gearing up to showcase its historical significance and modern advancements.
In concluding his visit, President Mirziyoyev paid his respects at the mausoleum of Uzbekistan's first President, Islam Karimov, within the Khazrati Khizr memorial complex. He noted the importance of remembering the past, stating, "Commemorating the dead, the arrangement of cemeteries, and respecting the memory of ancestors are important spiritual values of our people." This reflection resonates deeply in the context of Ramadan, a month dedicated to prayer and reflection, reinforcing the spiritual fabric of Uzbek society.
The ambitious projects slated for development in Samarkand are part of a broader initiative to promote Uzbekistan's cultural heritage while meeting the needs of an evolving global tourism marketplace. With these investments, the hope is to enhance the country’s reputation as a premier destination for spiritual and cultural tourism, inviting pilgrims and travelers from around the world to engage with Uzbekistan’s rich historical and spiritual legacy.
As projects continue to unfold, the government remains focused on creating a welcoming atmosphere for both domestic and international visitors. This commitment not only honors the memory of revered figures like Imam Bukhari and Imam al-Moturidi but also strengthens Uzbekistan's cultural identity through modern infrastructure and thoughtful development.
With these advances, Samarkand is poised to become a beacon of religious tourism, enriching both the local community's vitality and the broader narrative of Uzbekistan's historical depth.
