Permanent Mission of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the United Nations

The al-Bukhariy memorial complex in the settlement of Khartang close to Samarkand in Uzbekistan now has turned into a place of pilgrimage by Muslims from around the world, the national newspapers wrote.

It is pleasant to know that for over the years of independence this sacred venue has fully changed, as well as gained the most beautiful and unique look. It was reconstructed under immediate guidance of President Islam Karimov of Uzbekistan.

The best architects, people’s masters from all areas nationwide participated in erection of the complex. For example, the famous Samarkand master Mirumar Asadov along with his followers erected the astonishingly beautiful mausoleum.

With its form of a classical cube with cupola it reminds the burial-vault 0f Samanids (one of the medieval ruling dynasties) in Bukhara. One can endlessly admire the glazed tiles in the form of geometrical and plant patterns which are iridescent. Each detail of the interior – whether it is the carved doors or columns, inner vaults or painted ceilings – all of these are made with love and meant yet for many years to come.

Abu Abdulla Muhammad ibn Ismail al-Bukhariy was born in 810. He was an eminent scholar and theologian. At the age of six he knew by heart the Holy Book of Koran. At the age of puberty, during the years of studies at madrassah he had learnt perfectly the collection of ahadith (the statements by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), i.e. his sayings, deeds, and approvals, etc.) by Imam Malik “Al-Muwatto” composed of 70,000 ahadith. In later years he collected about 600,000 ahadith. The work created by him became the best book after the Holy Koran in Islam.

At the moment, the settlement of Khatrang became a truly heavenly venue. Along the broad and strait motorway the two-storied cottages were built and the tidiness and order prevail. The nature awakens and the tops of plane-trees turn green as it was the six centuries ago.

Each year the pilgrims not only from all corners of Uzbekistan but also from all around the world come to visit the place to pay a due respect to the ashes of famous scholar.

Lola Bekmuratova for the Information Agency “Jahon” in English