Bukhara, historically referred to as the “Peerage of Rome” and the “Paris of the East” has long been renowned as a global center of secular and religious sciences. This historical significance laid the foundation for the establishment of Bukhara State Pedagogical Institute in September 1930. In the early years of Uzbekistan's independence, through Presidential Decree No. PF-356 dated February 28, 1992 and Resolution No. 125 of the Cabinet of Ministers dated March 11, 1992, the institute was granted university status. Today, this esteemed institution proudly celebrates its 95th anniversary, standing as a pioneer of education, science and innovation.
Bukhara State University (BukhSU) stands as one of the oldest higher educational institutions in the Republic of Uzbekistan. Initially, it employed just 17 teaching staff members; today, the university employs 964 faculty members, including 60 professors with Doctor of Science degrees and 334 PhD holders. Before its elevation to university status in 1992, BSU operated as a pedagogical institute, focusing primarily on teacher training. At the time, the institute offered only 16 educational programs. Today, the number of programs has increased significantly to 91 undergraduate programs and 34 master's specialties, with 19,903 undergraduate students and 799 master's students enrolled. This remarkable growth reflects the university's commitment to meeting the diverse educational needs of modern society.
Historical Contribution to Education
Until the establishment of Urgench (1934), Karshi (1955) and Termez (1956) State Universities, Bukhara University played a leading role in training qualified pedagogical personnel for these regions. Later, the university also served as the foundation for the establishment of the Navoi State Pedagogical Institute and the Bukhara branch of the Tashkent Irrigation and Reclamation Institute.
Advancements in Science and Education
The university has established scientific schools in numerous disciplines, including:
These schools have produced numerous significant contributions to their fields and continue to nurture young scholars. BukhSU actively integrates research with education and production, ensuring that scientific advancements are effectively applied in industries.
Modern Infrastructure and Facilities
Recognizing the importance of modern infrastructure in education, BukhSU has undergone significant upgrades in recent years. Under Presidential Resolution No. 1533 (2011), which focused on strengthening the material and technical base of higher education institutions, BukhSU received major investments for the renovation and modernization of its facilities. Between 2013 and 2015 alone, construction and renovation projects worth 45.55 billion soums were completed.
This transformation included equipping classrooms with modern furniture, computer equipment, video projectors and electronic boards. The university's local network was upgraded and connected to high-speed internet, ensuring that students and faculty have access to cutting-edge technology for education and research. Additionally, sports equipment and laboratory instruments were purchased to support extracurricular and scientific activities.
Integration of Science, Education and Production
BukhSU's commitment to bridging the gap between science, education and production has become a hallmark of its mission. Through the integration of research into practical applications, the university has established itself as a key partner for industries. Scientific advancements are regularly transferred to production enterprises, fostering economic growth and innovation.
Key research areas include:
The university also plays an essential role in addressing environmental challenges in the Bukhara region, including climate change, water resource management and biodiversity conservation.
BukhSU maintains strong partnerships with over 20 universities and research centers worldwide, reflecting its commitment to global academic cooperation. Participation in international programs like the EU’s Tempus initiative has allowed the university to secure foreign grants for research and educational projects. Currently, BukhSU is actively engaged in several international research projects, contributing to advancements in fields such as biotechnological solutions for wastewater treatment, hybrid crop development and innovative educational technologies.
The university boasts several state-of-the-art research centers, including:
These facilities enable groundbreaking research and provide students with opportunities to engage in scientific work.
A Vision for the Future
BukhSU’s Strategic Development Plan (2015–2025) outlines bold steps to modernize the university and enhance its contributions to society. Key initiatives include:
Bukhara State University remains committed to its mission of shaping competent, responsible and patriotic professionals, ready to contribute to the development of Uzbekistan and beyond.
