Imam al-Bukhari Memorial Complex
Resting place of Islam's foremost hadith scholar
The pilgrim's path
© Maxmuda Bozorova, CC BY-SA 4.0
From the Imam al-Bukhari complex and the Makhdumi Azam shrine to Shah-i-Zinda, the Tomb of Daniel and Khoja Ahrar — the most revered shrines in and around Samarkand in a single day.
Practical information
A car and driver for the day suits this route best: head north first to the Imam al-Bukhari complex (25 km), then stop at the Makhdumi Azam shrine in Dahbed on the way back. The stops in town are close together, but the southern complexes — al-Maturidi, Khoja Abdi Darun and Khoja Ahrar — lie 2–4 km from the Registan, so you'll need taxis between them.
Cover shoulders and knees; women should bring a headscarf, and shoes come off inside mosques and mausoleums. Fridays and religious holidays draw large crowds, and it's courteous to pause during the midday prayer. Have lunch near the Siab Bazaar after the Tomb of Daniel. Winter days are short, so visit the last two shrines earlier or on another day. Donation boxes are common at shrines, but nobody expects you to give.
Shrine etiquette
When prayers are being said at a tomb, stand quietly and wait your turn, and don't lean on the cenotaph. Even where photography is allowed, don't photograph pilgrims without their consent. Switch your phone to silent inside.
Stops
- 08:00
Imam al-Bukhari Memorial Complex
The tomb of the great hadith scholar lies about 25 km from Samarkand, half an hour by car. The rebuilt complex reopened in March 2026, and entry to the mosque and mausoleum is free.
- 10:15
Makhdumi Azam Complex
On the way back, at Dahbed, stands the shrine of the 16th-century Naqshbandi sheikh Makhdumi Azam. Major rebuilding began in 2025, so check access beforehand.
Makhdumi Azam Complex
Shrine of a Naqshbandi master in Dahbed
- 11:30
Khoja Doniyor (Tomb of Daniel)
The mausoleum associated with the Prophet Daniel; by tradition, the spring below it has healing powers.
Khoja Doniyor (Tomb of Daniel)
A shrine revered by three faiths
- 13:45
Hazrat Khizr Mosque
After lunch, visit the mosque named for the prophet Khizr. On Fridays, come after the midday prayer.
Hazrat Khizr Mosque
A hilltop mosque at the old gate of Afrasiyab
- 14:30
Shah-i-Zinda
The ensemble grew around the grave of Qusam ibn Abbas, cousin of the Prophet. Don't disturb pilgrims at prayer.
Shah-i-Zinda
The avenue of mausoleums
- 16:15
Imam al-Maturidi Memorial Complex
Ten minutes by taxi: a memorial to Abu Mansur al-Maturidi, the 10th-century founder of the Maturidi school of theology.
Imam al-Maturidi Memorial Complex
A memorial to the 'Imam of Guidance'
- 17:00
Khoja Abdi Darun Complex
An old shrine with a pool and shady courtyard, tucked into a quiet mahalla.
Khoja Abdi Darun Complex
An ancient shrine around a plane-shaded pool
- 17:45
Khoja Ahrar Complex
Ten minutes southwest by taxi: the tomb of the influential 15th-century Naqshbandi sheikh, with a mosque and madrasa built in the 1630s.
Khoja Ahrar Complex
A Sufi master's shrine and the 'mirror of Sher-Dor'
