Al-Musalla: Bukhara’s Historical and Cultural Site Becomes a Key Venue of the Biennale

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — During the International Biennale of Contemporary Art in Bukhara, the Al-Musalla complex — a unique architectural and historical ensemble — drew special attention from guests and participants, becoming one of the central locations of the cultural program.

The complex, which unites significant monuments of medieval urban infrastructure, was presented as a living platform for dialogue between tradition and modernity.

During the Biennale, Al-Musalla transformed into an open-air museum, where historical heritage harmoniously coexisted with works by contemporary artists, multimedia installations, and performances. Participants noted that the authentic atmosphere of Bukhara allowed the event’s concept — exploring the interaction of cultures, time, and artistic forms — to be revealed most profoundly.

The program included thematic tours, artist presentations, lecture sessions, and meetings with art historians. Particularly popular were original projects created specifically for Al-Musalla, based on the study of its sacred geometry, ritual architecture, and historical function as a key public space in the city.

Organizers emphasized that including Al-Musalla in the Biennale route marked an important step in showcasing Uzbekistan’s rich cultural heritage to an international audience. According to them, venues like this demonstrate how contemporary art can reinterpret centuries-old traditions without compromising their authenticity.

Experts also highlighted the significance of the location for cultural tourism development. The Biennale significantly increased interest in Bukhara’s architectural ensembles, including Al-Musalla, contributing to the city’s promotion as a global hub of cultural exchange.

Al-Musalla’s participation in the Biennale made a substantial contribution to strengthening the international image of Bukhara and the entire region, demonstrating the potential of historical sites as modern cultural resources and platforms for merging creativity, history, and global art.