North of Chorsu Bazaar, in the old city of Tashkent, the Khazrati Imam architectural complex gathers the principal religious monuments of Uzbekistan's capital: mosques, madrasas, a mausoleum, and a library-museum housing major Islamic relics. Comprehensively restored in 2007, it stands as the city's historic spiritual center.

Why Visit the Khazrati Imam Complex?

• See the Qur'an of Uthman, a manuscript in Kufic script from the 8th century, regarded as one of the oldest known copies of the Qur'an.
• Witness an architectural ensemble spanning five centuries, from the 16th to the 19th, recently restored as a unified whole.
• Understand Tashkent's role as a capital of Islamic culture, a title it received in 2007.
• Access a free, peaceful site that pairs effortlessly with a visit to the neighboring Chorsu Bazaar.

History of the Complex

The complex takes its name from Abu Bakr Muhammad Kaffal Shashi, known as Khazrati Imam, a Tashkent scholar renowned for his mastery of the Qur'an, hadith, and Islamic law. Venerated as a saint after his death in 976, he was buried on the site, around which other religious structures gradually developed.

The buildings were erected at different periods, from the 16th to the 19th century, and some suffered destruction, particularly during the revolutionary era. Until the early 2000s, the site lacked visual coherence and several structures were in poor condition. When Tashkent was proclaimed the Islamic Cultural Capital in 2007, authorities launched a comprehensive restoration, rebuilding or reinforcing each structure and redesigning the plaza that unites them.

What to See

The Barak-Khan Madrasa

Built in the 16th century under Navruz Ahmadkhan, this madrasa was the main edifice on the site before restoration. Its trapezoidal layout, extending east to west, is organized around an oblong tower. The interior courtyard today houses artisan workshops.

The Muyi Muborak Madrasa and the Qur'an of Uthman

Dating to the 16th century, the Muyi Muborak Madrasa initially served as a khānāqāh (a retreat for dervishes). It now houses a library-museum where the Qur'an of Uthman is displayed—a manuscript in Kufic script from the 8th century attributed to Uthman ibn Affan, the third caliph. According to accepted history, the manuscript was transported from Iraq to Samarkand by Timur, then transferred to Saint Petersburg under Russian rule before being returned to Uzbekistan in 1924. The museum also preserves hairs attributed to the Prophet Muhammad, presented as relics.

The Khazrati Imam Mosque

The central edifice of the complex in its current form, the mosque is distinguished by its two minarets standing 53 meters high and its two domes, the interiors of which are covered in gold leaf. The prayer hall is supported by sandalwood pillars and decorated with green Turkish marble and blue tiles from Iran.

The Tilla Sheikh Mosque

Located opposite the Barak-Khan Madrasa, it dates from the second half of the 19th century. The entrance is marked by a monumental iwan; inside, the carved mihrab and panjara windows (openwork lattices characteristic of Central Asia) showcase local craftsmanship.

The Namazgokh Mosque

Built in the 19th century by Mirza Ahmed Kushbegi, it stands out for its blue dome. Destroyed during the revolutionary period, it was restored in the 1970s.

The Mausoleum of Khazrati Imam

In the northwest of the site, the mausoleum houses the scholar's tomb as well as the graves of his sons, disciples, and several contemporary notables. The current rectangular form dates to 1541; a majolica plaque bearing the date and the architect's name remains visible on the walls.

Practical Information

• Location: Khazrati Imam Square, immediately north of Chorsu Bazaar.
• Duration of visit: allow 1 to 2 hours to tour the complex and the library-museum.
• Hours: open during the day Monday to Saturday, with a break at midday on weekdays. Closed Sundays. Check locally before visiting.
• Dress code: shoulders and knees covered; a scarf is appreciated for women inside mosques.
• Admission: free access to the complex; modest paid entry to the Qur'an of Uthman library-museum.

How to Get There

The complex is located in the old city, approximately 3 km northwest of central Tashkent.

• By metro: Chorsu station (Uzbekistan line, line 2). From there, allow about ten minutes on foot heading north past the bazaar.
• By taxi: apps like Yandex Go work well in Tashkent; fares from the center remain affordable.
• By bus: several lines serve the Chorsu area; verify your route in advance.
• On foot: from Chorsu, access is immediate and allows you to combine a visit to the bazaar and the complex.

Nearby

The complex's central location makes it easy to link with other sites in Tashkent and the region:

• The Chorsu Bazaar, a domed covered market with a turquoise cupola, a 10-minute walk away.
• The Koukeldash Madrasa, another historic religious structure in the old city.
• The mausoleum of Muhammad al-Bukhari in Samarkand, to extend the theme of great Islamic scholars.
• The Islam Khodja Minaret in Khiva, to compare regional religious architectures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Include Khazrati Imam in Your Trip

The Khazrati Imam complex naturally fits into an itinerary combining Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. To build a customized route incorporating the country's major religious and historical sites, explore our Uzbekistan travel packages.