On January 30, the opening ceremony of the memorial complex, erected in honor of Islam Karimov, was held in the hometown of the great state and public figure, in Samarkand. 

The event was attended by representatives of the public and activists, aksakals, youth from all over the country. 

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered a speech at the ceremony. 

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that the activity implemented by the founder of Uzbekistan’s independence and new statehood, outstanding politician and far-sighted reformer Islam Karimov in the name of progress and prosperity of the Republic of Uzbekistan, well-being of people, is written in golden letters in the history of the country. 

According to his will, the great state and political figure Islam Karimov was buried in the complex of Hazrati Khizr mosque in Samarkand, on September 3, 2016. 

At the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, majestic mausoleum of the First President, worthy of his great merits before the state and people, was built here. 

On the marble slab, set at the entrance to the complex, it is embossed in Uzbek and English: “This is a sacred and eternal place where the First President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the great statesman and politician, the respectable and honorable son of Uzbek people Islom Karimov rests”.

Activity on erecting the memorial complex was carried out jointly with UNESCO, the project of the mausoleum provided an organic combination with one of the objects of the world cultural heritage – the Hazrati Khizr mosque. 

The best builders and craftsmen from various regions of the country have been attracted for construction of the complex. Necessary precious and ornamental stones, columns of aivan and stair grills were imported from abroad. 

There is a tombstone made of white onyx, inside the mausoleum. The walls are decorated with precious stones and gilding. The lower part of the mausoleum is decorated with green onyx. The dome was erected in harmony with the Hazrati Khizr complex. 

There is a national-style aivan in the complex. All amenities for visitors are created here, benches are installed. Ayats from the Quran and wise sayings of Islam Karimov are written above the aivan portals in Uzbek, Arabic and English. 

An elevator has been installed in order to create amenities for visitors, and lifts for people with disabilities. A modern night lighting system is created. There is a bridge connecting the street of Islam Karimov with the complex. 

The Hazrati Khizr mosque was also restored during the construction, and its minaret is finished with ceramic tiles. The paths leading to the complex are covered with granite. Chestnut (beech) brought from Belgium, talpa, as well as Crimean pine, juniper, shrubs are planted, and a green zone is created. 

For more than a year, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev got acquainted with the progress of construction of the complex during each of his visits to Samarkand, gave recommendations and instructions on improvement of this site as one of the sacred places of worship, creating favorable conditions for visitors. 

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, visiting the mausoleum of Islam Karimov, paid tribute to the memory of the First President. Prayer from the Quran sounded. 

After the ceremony, President of Uzbekistan laid flowers at the foot of the Monument to Islam Karimov, erected near the Registan Square. The President of the country took part in the memorial pilaf ceremony, organized in the Forums Complex of Samarkand. 

Matnazar Elmurodov, Golib Khasanov, UzA