Türkiye opens Bukhara mosque as sign of gratitude to Uzbekistan

A mosque named “Bukhara” has been inaugurated in Türkiye’s Hatay province with the participation of Uzbekistan, becoming a symbol of appreciation for the humanitarian assistance provided after the devastating earthquake.

The opening ceremony marked the launch of a new religious facility located in the centre of a residential complex designed for approximately 3,200 families. The mosque is built in a modern architectural style and can accommodate up to 500 worshippers at a time, offering the necessary conditions for religious practices, according to Uzbek media.

The earthquake that struck southeastern Türkiye on February 6, 2023, remains one of the most destructive in the country’s history. The tremors reached magnitudes of 7.7 and 7.6, killing more than 57,000 people and leaving hundreds of thousands homeless. Total damages exceeded $100 billion, while reconstruction efforts are still ongoing.

In the aftermath of the disaster, the region experienced thousands of aftershocks, further complicating rescue operations and increasing the risk of additional destruction. International rescue teams participated in relief efforts, including specialists from Uzbekistan, who were involved in saving lives and providing medical assistance.

As part of reconstruction efforts in Hatay, a residential complex named “Uzbekistan” was also built for families who lost their homes. Both projects are seen as part of strengthening humanitarian cooperation between the two countries.

By Jeyhun Aghazada