Pilgrimage complex of the hadith scholar al-Bukhari in Hartang village near Samarkand.
The Imam al-Bukhari Memorial Complex is a major pilgrimage site about 20-25 kilometres north of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in the Hartang (Khartang) area of Payariq District. It commemorates Muhammad ibn Ismail al-Bukhari (810-870), compiler of the Sahih al-Bukhari, one of the most revered collections of hadith in Sunni Islam. He died in Hartang after leaving Bukhara, and his tomb became a place of visitation. The present complex was built in the late 1990s as part of the 1225th anniversary celebrations and includes a mausoleum with a tiled dome, a mosque, a museum and gardens, with a white-and-blue ensemble set among greenery. Pilgrims come from across the Muslim world. Visitors walk through the gate, the garden and the shrine, and a visit takes about 1-1.5 hours plus 30-40 minutes each way from the city. Dress modestly, with covered shoulders and legs; women should cover their hair in the mausoleum. Entry is generally free or inexpensive.
| Admission | Free or low-cost; donations welcome |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily, daylight hours; closed to visitors at prayer times |
| Typical visit | 1-1.5 hours plus travel |
| Best time | Weekday morning |
| Getting there | Taxi about 30-40 minutes each way; about 150,000-250,000 UZS (~$12.50-21) round trip with waiting |
| Address | Imam al-Bukhari Memorial Complex, Hartang, Payariq District, Samarkand Region, Uzbekistan |
Location
Imam al-Bukhari Memorial Complex, Hartang, Payariq District, Samarkand Region, Uzbekistan
39.8156, 66.9441 View on map
Highlights
- Tomb of the hadith scholar al-Bukhari (810-870)
- Tiled mausoleum, mosque and gardens
- Pilgrimage destination for Muslims worldwide
- Taxi ride from Samarkand
Tips for visiting
- Dress modestly; women should cover hair at the shrine.
- Arrange a taxi round trip (about 30-40 minutes each way) and agree the waiting price first.
- Avoid Friday midday prayer, when it is busiest.
- Allow 1-1.5 hours on site.
- Bring water; the site is open and sunny.
When to visit
Weekday morning; avoid Friday midday.
Accessibility
Paved paths and gardens are largely level; the shrine has thresholds and steps, so wheelchair access to the interior is limited.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Where is the complex?
In the Hartang area, Payariq District, about 20-25 km north of Samarkand.
How do I get there?
By taxi (about 150,000-250,000 UZS, ~$12.50-21, round trip with waiting) or by shared taxi from the city.
Is entry free?
Entry is generally free or inexpensive; donations are welcome.
How long does it take?
About 1 to 1.5 hours plus travel.