Uzbekistan Clerics Launch Cemetery Clean-Up Initiative

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Council of Ulema of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan has issued a statement calling for systematic improvement of cemeteries across the country and adherence to ethical standards during visits. The document emphasizes the spiritual and social importance of maintaining burial sites and preserving the memory of ancestors.

The Council noted that Uzbekistan pays significant attention to the improvement of sacred places and historical sites. In particular, it cited large-scale restoration work in Samarkand, where the Imam al-Bukhari memorial complex and its surrounding area were renovated.

The statement underlines that, in Islamic tradition, visiting cemeteries serves as a reminder of the transience of life and a means of spiritual reflection. At the same time, it stresses the importance of proper conduct and respectful behavior at burial sites.

The Council also pointed to existing issues in the maintenance of some cemeteries, including insufficient upkeep and deteriorating infrastructure. According to the statement, this requires a systematic and continuous approach to improvement.

In response, the Council of Ulema announced an initiative titled “Month of Cemetery Improvement.” The program proposes involving local mahalla communities, imams, and elders in cleaning, landscaping, and improving conditions for visitors.

Priority areas include educational outreach through religious institutions, promoting respect for ancestral memory, and developing infrastructure and informational signage at cemeteries.

The Council emphasized that cemetery maintenance should be viewed not only as an organizational task but also as a social and spiritual responsibility aimed at educating future generations.