Why Hast-Imam is the Old City’s main stop
Hazrati Imam (Hast-Imam) is Eski Shahar’s spiritual anchor and the natural first stop of a morning walk. The complex is tied to the memory of Imam Abu Bakr Kaffal al-Shashi — a scholar and Sufi whose name still holds the toponym. For the full day scaffold use the Tashkent Old City guide; country context sits in the Uzbekistan trip 2026 hub.
What is in the ensemble
Barak Khan Madrasa
A historic madrasa with a distinctive portal — a good place to feel the courtyard scale and ensemble rhythm.
Tilla Sheikh Mosque and the Uthman Quran library
An active mosque and museum space housing the manuscript known as the Uthman (Osman) Quran — among the earliest copies, deeply revered by believers. View calmly: no flash, no loud talk, no crowding the case. Exhibition rules and Moyie Mubarek library tickets are confirmed at the entrance — we do not affiliate official monument tickets.
Mausoleum of Abu Bakr Kaffal al-Shashi
The quiet core of the complex: a short pause and respect for the burial place matter more than a long photoshoot.
Imam al-Bukhari Islamic Institute
The modern teaching wing reminds visitors that Hast-Imam is living religious infrastructure, not only heritage scenery.
How to get there and 2026 hours
Address cue: Karasaray Street 107/2 (confirm in your maps app). Nearest metro: Gafur Gulom, then walk. Courtyard access and museum desk hours change — always re-check on the day you visit.
Maps and taxis need data: eSIM / Yesim. Sleeping in Mirabad or Yakkasaray works well — book a hotel near the new centre and hop to Old City in the morning.
Day plan: Hazrati Imam and the neighbourhood
Morning — Hast-Imam (1.5–2 h). Then mahallas toward Chorsu and lunch. If daylight remains, save the Tashkent TV Tower for sunset. Autumn days are shorter — see Uzbekistan in autumn.
Want a walking day without hand-picking pins?
Before you go: dress code and etiquette
Modest clothing, a quiet voice during the call to prayer and namaz, no food in mosque courtyards. Fridays are crowded; a brief respectful greeting for jumu’ah is fine — do not interrupt worshippers. Music from mahalla windows is normal city life, not a show for tourists.
What is nearby after Hast-Imam
Chorsu and the mahallas are the natural continuation; full plan in the Tashkent Old City guide. For skyline views, see the TV tower guide.
FAQ
How long do I need at Hazrati Imam?
Plan 1.5–2 hours for the courtyards and architecture, plus ~30 minutes for a calm mahalla walk. The manuscript museum can add a queue — arrive earlier.
Is Hast-Imam free to enter?
The complex grounds are often open without a general ticket; the museum-library (Moyie Mubarek) and some indoor spaces charge. Verify 2026 hours and prices at the on-site desk.
Can I see the Uthman (Osman) Quran?
Yes, in the museum space at the complex, following exhibition rules. It is a revered 7th-century manuscript — no flash, no loud talk, no crowding the display.
How do I combine it with Chorsu Bazaar?
Walk through the mahallas after Hast-Imam and lunch at Chorsu. The full day plan is in the Old City guide.
What should I wear?
Cover shoulders and knees; women should bring a scarf for the active mosque. Fridays are busier because of jumu’ah prayer.