Islamic Architecture Walking Tour (Self Guided), Tashkent

A visit to Uzbekistan is like leafing through the charred chapters of the Silk Road. Nowhere is this ambiance more exemplified than within the Islamic architecture adorning the streets of Tashkent.

One such architectural jewel is the Kukeldash Madrasah, dating back to the late 16th century. There is talk of making it into a museum, but it is currently still being used as a religious school.

Located near is the famous Chorsu Bazaar. This huge open-air market is the center of the old town of Tashkent. Everything imaginable is for sale here, from the daily groceries to ceramics, national costumes, and tubeteika caps. And it is one of the major tourist attractions in the city.

Another notable site is the Hazrati Imam Complex. The construction of this religious ensemble was completed in 2007; it consists of the 16th-century Muyi Muborak Madrasah; Barak Khan Madrasah with two mausoleums Inside - the Mausoleum of Suyunchkhoja Khan, the burial place of the first ruler of Tashkent from the Uzbek Sheibanid dynasty, and the so-called Nameless mausoleum built for Barak Khan himself. The Mausoleum of Hazrati Imam (Kaffal Shoshiy) is yet another picturesque tomb built in honor of the 16th-century Islamic leader, Khazrat Imam (Abu Bakr ibn Ismail al-Kaffal ash-Shoshiy).

The Namazgokh Mosque and Islamic Institute are actually a one location, constructed in 1845-1865; it is now home to religious studies.

To discover tales behind the towering blue-topped minarets, as you delve deeper into the history of one of Central Asia's most exciting destinations, take this self-guided walking tour and find out some of the most interesting landmarks in the old part of Tashkent.