The Qatar Fund for Development and Uzbekistan’s Art and Culture Development Foundation have signed a grant agreement worth $4.175mn to restore the historic Bibi-Khanym Mosque in Samarkand. The project, which will be led by the Aga Khan Foundation for Culture, aims to revive one of the Islamic world’s largest mosques and safeguard the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The signing ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Her Excellency Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, and Gayane Umerova, Chairperson of Uzbekistan’s Art and Culture Development Foundation. The partnership stressed a shared commitment to cultural preservation and enhancing cooperation between Qatar and Uzbekistan.

Beyond its historical significance, the restoration of the Bibi-Khanym Mosque will also create employment opportunities and offer training in traditional building techniques to local communities. This initiative not only contributes to preserving Uzbekistan’s cultural identity but also aims to foster economic growth and boost tourism in the region.

In a statement posted on Telegram, Saida Mirziyoyeva, Assistant to the President of Uzbekistan, expressed her enthusiasm about the project. 

“Yesterday [October 2], we met with Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and discussed the restoration project of Bibi-Khanym Mosque in Samarkand. The meeting resulted in the signing of bilateral cooperation agreements… aimed at joint work in the field of restoration of cultural sites heritage of Uzbekistan, which is of great importance both for our country and for the whole world.”