Muhammad ibn Ismail al-Bukhari was born in Bukhara in 810 and travelled widely collecting hadith (sayings of the Prophet). His collection, the Sahih al-Bukhari, is regarded by Sunni Muslims as one of the most authentic. After a dispute he left Bukhara and died in 870 in the Hartang area near Samarkand, where he was buried.
The tomb was neglected during the Soviet period. In the late 1990s, to mark the 1225th anniversary of his birth, a large memorial complex was built, with a domed mausoleum, a mosque, a museum and gardens. It now draws visitors from across the Muslim world. The complex is reached by taxi from Samarkand in 30-40 minutes. Visitors should dress modestly, and women should cover their hair.
| Admission | Free or low-cost; donations welcome |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily, daylight hours; closed to visitors at prayer times |
| Address | Imam al-Bukhari Memorial Complex, Hartang, Payariq District, Samarkand Region, Uzbekistan |
Why it matters
The burial place of Muhammad al-Bukhari (810-870), compiler of the Sahih al-Bukhari hadith collection, a major pilgrimage destination.
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)
- Memorial complex with mosque, museum and gardens
- Pilgrimage site
- Built in the 1990s
Tips for visiting
- Arrange a taxi round trip and agree the waiting price.
- Dress modestly.
- Avoid Friday midday.
When to visit
Weekday morning.
Accessibility
Mostly level gardens; shrine thresholds limit access.
Frequently asked questions
Who is al-Bukhari?
A 9th-century scholar who compiled the Sahih al-Bukhari hadith collection.
When was the complex built?
In the late 1990s for the 1225th anniversary of his birth.
How far is it?
About 30-40 minutes by taxi from Samarkand.