The Hazrati Imam Complex is the main religious centre of Tashkent and one of the most historically significant sites in Uzbekistan. Located in the old part of the capital, it brings together mosques, madrassas and a library that preserves one of the oldest Quran manuscripts in the world.
Today it is one of the principal tourist highlights of Tashkent and an essential stop for those wanting to understand the city's spiritual and cultural heritage.
What is the Hazrati Imam Complex
Hazrati Imam — also known as Khast Imam — is a historic religious complex named after Hazrat Imam Abu Bakr Muhammad Kaffal-Shashi, the first imam of Tashkent, who is buried here.
The complex has been a centre of Islamic learning and worship in the region for centuries, and today it remains an active religious site as well as a major cultural attraction.
What to see at Hazrati Imam
- Khast Imam Mosque — the principal mosque of the complex, with imposing modern Islamic architecture and a large prayer hall
- Tilla Sheikh Mosque — the older mosque within the complex, with a more traditional design
- Barak Khan Madrassa — a 16th-century madrassa with decorated facades, one of the oldest surviving structures in the complex
- Uthman Quran — one of the oldest known Quran manuscripts in the world, believed to date to the 7th century, displayed in the complex's library
- Islamic library and museum — preserving manuscripts, religious artefacts and documents related to the history of Islam in Central Asia
Historical significance
The Hazrati Imam Complex has been a centre of religious and intellectual life in Tashkent for over a thousand years. The Uthman Quran — believed to be one of the original copies commissioned by Caliph Uthman in the 7th century — makes this one of the most important Islamic heritage sites in the world.
How long to spend here
Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour for the Hazrati Imam Complex.
The various buildings and the library with the historic Quran manuscript are all worth exploring at a relaxed pace.
What to expect
The Hazrati Imam Complex impresses with the quality and scale of its architecture, particularly the large courtyard and the main mosque. It provides a completely different experience from the Silk Road cities of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand — this is Tashkent's own contribution to the region's Islamic heritage.
Best time to visit
- Morning — cooler temperatures and fewer visitors
- Avoid Friday midday — the mosque is busy with worshippers for Friday prayers
Practical tips
- Dress modestly — this is an active religious site. Shoulders and knees must be covered
- Women may be asked to cover their heads; scarves are available at the entrance
- Photography may be restricted inside some buildings — ask before shooting