Hidden in the heart of Tashkent’s Old City, the Hazrati Imam Complex is one of Uzbekistan’s most important spiritual and architectural treasures. This ensemble unites several centuries of Islamic history, artistry, and scholarship.
At its center lies the mausoleum of Abu Bakr Muhammad Kaffal Shashi — a celebrated 10th-century scholar, poet, craftsman, and one of Tashkent’s first imams. Renowned for his mastery in creating intricate locks, he was nicknamed “Qaffol,” meaning “locksmith.” His reconstructed mausoleum, completed in 1542, features an asymmetrical domed portal and elegant brickwork in the traditional Islamic style.
The complex includes several key structures:
Muyi Muborak Madrasa (16th century) — holds sacred relics, including a hair of the Prophet Muhammad and the world’s oldest Qur’an manuscript, known as the Uthmanic Qur’an, written on ancient parchment.
Barak Khan Madrasa (circa 1550) — famous for its grand portal, twin blue domes, and peaceful inner courtyard.
Tilla Sheikh Mosque (19th century) — features twin minarets and ornate wooden columns carved from sandalwood.
Namazgokh Mosque (mid-19th century) — known for its sky-blue dome and historic role as an open-air mosque for large gatherings.
Imam al-Bukhari Islamic Institute (built in 1971) — the first higher Islamic education institution in the Soviet Union.
Hazrati Imam Jome Mosque (2007) — the modern architectural centerpiece with two towering minarets, gilded domes, and a prayer hall illuminated by natural light.
The courtyards are filled with lush gardens, blossoming flowers, and the occasional stork’s nest. At night, warm golden lighting transforms the ensemble into a scene that feels almost otherworldly.
The architecture blends traditional brickwork with intricate tile mosaics, floral and geometric ornaments, and domes lined with gold leaf. The ensemble survived the devastating 1966 Tashkent earthquake and has since undergone multiple restoration projects to preserve its historical authenticity.
Visiting the Hazrati Imam Complex is not just a sightseeing trip — it’s a journey into the spiritual heart of Tashkent, where history, religion, and art converge in one timeless space.
