What will the innovation museum of Imam Bukhari look like?

At the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, significant work is being carried out in Uzbekistan to study and research the legacy of the great hadith scholar Imam Bukhari, as well as to restore and improve his burial site. Every time the President visits Samarkand, he gives instructions for the restoration of these sacred places and the proper interpretation of their history and significance. Based on his instructions, an innovative museum dedicated to Imam Bukhari is being built within the Center of Islamic Civilization of Uzbekistan, located in the complex named after the scholar. Turkish company "Outdoor Factory" is actively collaborating on this project.

Presentations of the concept and design of the innovative Imam Bukhari Museum took place at the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan. The event was led by the Director of the Center, Firdavs Abdukhalikov.

The presentation of the innovative museum was held as part of the International Week of Cultural Heritage under the title "The Phenomenon of the Eastern Renaissance: Dynasties, Religions, Personalities, and Civilizations," which took place from October 18 to 26, 2023. Local and international experts, as well as representatives of the company "Outdoor Factory," participated in the presentation. They presented the concept and design of the museum pavilions and offered recommendations for further improvements to the project.

Also present at the meeting were the Director of the International Research Center of Imam Bukhari, Shovosil Ziyodov, the First Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Religious Affairs, Davron Mahsudov, and the Director of the International Research Center of Imam Moturidi, Jamoliddin Karimov. They emphasized that each piece of content in the innovative museum should be scientifically substantiated. The innovative museum will consist of 9 pavilions and will begin with a presentation on the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and other prophets, followed by a detailed exploration of Imam Bukhari's life, his path to knowledge, his phenomenal legacy, virtues, and his descendants through chronological videos. Ancient artifacts, manuscripts, and sources related to the sacred religion will be displayed using modern information technologies. The museum will also feature ancient copies of the second sacred source of Islam, "Al-Jami as-Sahih." A 5D excursion will be organized for children, allowing them to "travel" back in time. Visitors will also learn about the modern significance of Imam Bukhari's legacy and the ongoing religious and educational reforms in New Uzbekistan.

The presentation at the Center of Islamic Civilization was valuable for enriching the content of the museum's exhibition. During discussions, ideas were proposed to recreate the spirit of the era not only using innovative methods but also through exhibits such as models of schools and madrasahs where Imam Bukhari studied, as well as images of the cities of that time. It was also suggested to include information about Imam Bukhari's mentors, scholars who were his contemporaries, and the great students of Imam Bukhari.

Imam Bukhari's legacy is highly respected and of great interest throughout the Islamic world. Therefore, when developing the exhibition, it is important to consider global experience, as Imam Bukhari's spiritual heritage belongs not only to the Uzbek people but to the entire Islamic world.

As a result of the meeting, the following decisions were made:

• Organizing a photo exhibition for international and local representatives, awarded the Imam Bukhari Order;

• Finalizing the preparation of all explanatory materials for the exhibition of the innovative museum.;

• Obtaining information on buildings and objects to be displayed on the walls of the innovative museum from the Tashkent Architectural and Construction Institute.

• Creating a photo gallery of the work done to study and promote Imam Bukhari's legacy in New Uzbekistan;

• Including information about Imam Bukhari's followers and showcasing it in the museum's exhibition;

• Organizing a special exhibition titled "Imam Bukhari and the World," considering existing libraries, museums, universities, films, programs, and scientific centers named after Imam Bukhari worldwide.