The body of Uzbekistan’s President, Islam Karimov, has arrived in his home city of Samarkand ahead of his funeral.
Thousands lined the streets to see the late President’s remains.
His death at 78 was confirmed by the government on Friday, six days after he was taken to hospital suffering from a stroke, the BBC reports.
Karimov, one of Asia’s most autocratic leaders, ruled for 27 years, and was accused by human rights groups of harshly repressing dissent.
Saturday’s funeral comes amid uncertainty over who will succeed him.
However, the event in Samarkand – Karimov’s home city – will be overseen by Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Mr. Mirziyoyev is widely regarded as Mr. Karimov’s potential successor.
Three days of mourning are being observed across the Central Asian nation.