Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In order to expand the territory of the Imam al-Maturidi memorial complex in Samarkand, it is planned to demolish residential buildings owned by 217 individuals. Compensation will be provided to all property owners, as reported by the Agency for Cultural Heritage.

The agency clarified that these buildings are not part of cultural heritage sites.

The reconstruction of the complex aims to create a major pilgrimage center, and the project also includes the renovation of the graves of scholars and the improvement of the surrounding area.

"Projects related to areas and sites included on the World Heritage list are carried out by the agency in collaboration with the National Commission of Uzbekistan for UNESCO and the UNESCO World Heritage Center," the agency added.