Bonds of Faith and Knowledge That Bridge Distances

The Imam Bukhari International Scientific Research Center hosted an international roundtable entitled “Imam Bukhari’s Scholarly Legacy: A Bridge of Knowledge and Enlightenment Between the Muslims of Uzbekistan and Indonesia.” The event was attended by a delegation from Asrama Perguruan Islam (API) Tegalrejo, an Islamic educational institution in Indonesia.

At the outset of the visit, the guests toured the Center’s museum and learned about the facilities provided for its research staff and international scholars.

Opening the event, Professor Shovosil Ziyodov, Director of the Center, warmly welcomed the delegation and the prominent Indonesian scholars and religious figures in attendance.
He emphasized that although Uzbekistan and Indonesia are geographically distant, they are closely connected by a shared faith, common spiritual values and an invaluable scholarly heritage. He noted that the expanding relations between the two countries are becoming a genuine bridge of knowledge and enlightenment between their peoples. The Director also expressed his appreciation to Indonesian teachers and scholars for the systematic study and teaching of Sahih al-Bukhari at educational institutions across the country.

In turn, the head of the delegation, Muhammad Yusuf Chudlori, leader of Asrama Perguruan Islam (API) Tegalrejo, expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to the guests. He noted that visiting the historic city of Samarkand is a cherished aspiration for thousands of Indonesian students.
He also recalled with pride the historic visit of the late President Sukarno to Imam Bukhari’s mausoleum in Samarkand and his role in initiating its restoration, describing the event as an important milestone in the history of relations between the two countries.

During the discussions, both sides agreed that Imam Bukhari’s legacy is not merely a great treasure of the past, but also an invaluable spiritual stronghold that continues to promote peace, tolerance and sound religious understanding in contemporary society.
Participants emphasized that strengthening cooperation between scholars and research institutions is a priority in promoting Islam’s authentic humanitarian and enlightenment-oriented values internationally and protecting young people from the influence of destructive ideologies.

The roundtable featured proposals to attract more Indonesian students and researchers to Samarkand and directly to the Center, sign a memorandum of understanding on cooperation, and develop pilgrimage tourism through the launch of direct flights between Jakarta and Samarkand.
As part of the event, the distinguished scholars and guests solemnly completed a full recitation of the blessed Sahih al-Bukhari with deep reverence and devotion.
Following the roundtable, the guests visited Imam Bukhari’s mausoleum and offered prayers in honor of the great hadith scholar. The delegation then toured the newly constructed Imam Bukhari Complex, including its innovative museum and mosque equipped with modern information, communication and multimedia technologies.