Located in the heart of the old city of Tashkent, Hazrati Imam Square, or Hast-imam, stands as a must-see historical landmark in Uzbekistan. It comprises several buildings constructed across different eras. The oldest dates back to the 16th century, while the most recent was completed in 2007.

This religious center is named in honor of the illustrious imam Hazrati. His burial place lies within this remarkable complex. Beyond the mausoleum, Hast-imam houses mosques, madrasas, and ancient historical and religious documents.

The Works of Imam Hazrati

His full name was Abu Bakr Muhammad Kaffal Shashi. Yet he is often remembered simply as Imam Hazrati, the Saint Imam. He lived during the 10th century.

He earned fame as a great scholar, poet, craftsman, and extraordinary polyglot—most notably, a masterful interpreter of the Quran. It is said he could speak more than 70 languages with eloquence.

His writings continue to captivate minds. Renowned literary scholars and leading institutions still analyze the profound depth of his works today.

Tashkent was Imam Hazrati's birthplace. To deepen his knowledge and advance Islam, he left his homeland and traveled extensively throughout the world. Enriched by his encounters and exchanges, he eventually returned to his native city to share his wisdom.

He passed away at the age of 73, and his tomb became a pilgrimage destination for countless visitors from around the world.

The Complex

The site encompasses several historic buildings. Each houses a piece of the city's history and cultural heritage.

Among them stand the renowned Hast Imam mausoleum, the Barak-khan and Muyi-Mubarak madrasas, the mosques of Khazrat Imam, Tilla Sheikh, and Namazgokh, the Building of the Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of Uzbekistan, and the Imam al-Bukhari Islamic Institute.

The Mausoleum of Kaffal Shashi

Errected in honor of the Saint Imam, it occupies the northwest corner of the site. His sons, disciples, and other prominent figures of the era are buried nearby. Regarded as the site's most significant attraction, the mausoleum has been reconstructed numerous times throughout the centuries. It acquired its current rectangular form in 1541, when an old brick wall was adorned with majolica decorated with plants and poems. The names of the architect and calligrapher are inscribed on one of its façades.

The Barak-Khan Madrasa

Constructed in the sixteenth century, this building stands south of the mausoleum. Its main façade features ornately decorated doors and niches with Eastern motifs. It bears the name of the sovereign Barak Khan, whose name literally means "the fortunate ruler." Two mausoleum-s stand within the madrasa: that of Suyunchkhoja-khan, Barak Khan's father, and another smaller one known as the "Unnamed" mausoleum.

The Muyi Mubarak Madrasa

Dating to the 16th century, it was originally built to shelter pilgrims during their long journeys before being converted into a madrasa. It stands at the center of Hast-Imam Square, near the Tilla Sheikh Mosque. This remarkable edifice houses both a library and a museum. The latter contains a relic of tremendous importance to Islam: the hairs of the Prophet Muhammad.

Its library's collection of books and manuscripts comprises approximately 20,000 volumes. Among these works are numerous Quran editions, translated into more than thirty languages.

Perhaps the most celebrated and impressive item in this collection is the Uthman's Quran, believed to date between 644–648 CE. Written on gazelle skin, it represents the oldest known written Quran. It is furthermore inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. On the pages of this precious manuscript, one notices darker stains among the text. According to local guides, these are believed to be bloodstains of Caliph Uthman, who was assassinated while reading it.

The Imam Hazrati Mosque

Situated to the east of the site, it was erected in 2007 in a 16th-century architectural style. The mosque features two domes painted in brilliant blue and two minarets standing approximately 50 meters high. Its interior is adorned with magnificent carvings and gold leaf. Landscape architects have surrounded it with a stunning garden featuring flowers and trees from various countries.

The Hazrati Imam complex also contains other sites worth visiting, including the Tilla Sheikh Mosque, the Namazgokh Mosque, the Imam al-Bukhari Islamic Institute, and the Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of Uzbekistan.

Hazrati Imam Square is located in Uzbekistan's capital, just a few meters north of the Chorsu Bazaar. You can reach it on foot, by metro, taxi, bus, or rental car according to your preference.