Barak Khan Madrasa stands on the Khast Imam square in the Old City (Eski Shahar) of Tashkent, Uzbekistan, off Abubakr Shoshiy Street in the Olmazor District. It was built in the 16th century and is named after Navruz Ahmad Khan, known as Barak Khan, a Shaybanid ruler who governed Tashkent in the mid-1500s. The madrasa is among the oldest surviving religious schools in the city, a notable fact in a place that suffered earthquakes, wars and large-scale Soviet rebuilding, most severely after the 1966 Tashkent earthquake.
Architecturally the building follows the classical Central Asian madrasa plan: a tall portal (pishtaq) facing the square, a rectangular inner courtyard, and two floors of small student cells (hujras) around the perimeter, with corner domed halls used for teaching and prayer. The facade is covered in glazed blue, turquoise and white tile with geometric and floral patterns, and the main dome stands above the entrance. The tilework is a mixture of original material and later restoration, since the building was repaired repeatedly through the Russian imperial, Soviet and independence periods.
The madrasa's historical role has changed several times. Originally a centre of Islamic education, it was closed to teaching under Soviet rule, and parts of it were repurposed. Today it serves as the headquarters of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan, which governs the country's official Islamic institutions, so portions of the interior are used for administration and are not open to the public. The street-facing courtyard remains accessible, and many of the former student cells have been rented to artisans who sell miniatures, ceramics, embroidery, wooden items, scarves and souvenirs.
The building is not a museum with a fixed curatorial route. The visit is experiential: visitors enter the courtyard, look at the facade and dome, and walk the arcade of cells that doubles as a craft market. It forms one of the three main historic buildings of the Khast Imam ensemble, along with the Tillya Sheikh Mosque and the Mui Mubarak Madrasa, and is typically seen together with them in a single walk. The restoration state is generally good, with the main facade and dome carefully maintained, although some of the older glazed tile shows signs of weathering. Visitors should treat the courtyard as part of an active religious institution by keeping noise down and dressing modestly.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily, daytime; the former student cells operate as craft shops |
| Address | Abubakr Shoshiy Street, Khast Imam square, Olmazor District, Tashkent, Uzbekistan |
Why it matters
Barak Khan Madrasa is one of the few surviving 16th-century buildings in Tashkent and a rare monument of the Shaybanid era in the city. It now houses the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan, linking the medieval religious school tradition to the present.
Location
Abubakr Shoshiy Street, Khast Imam square, Olmazor District, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
41.3370, 69.2387 View on map
Highlights
- Study the tiled pishtaq portal and dome of a 16th-century Shaybanid madrasa
- Walk the courtyard arcade of former student cells now used as craft workshops
- Shop for miniatures, ceramics and textiles directly from artisans
- Combine with the Tillya Sheikh Mosque and Muyi Muborak Library Museum on the same square
Tips for visiting
- Entry to the courtyard is free; bargain politely for crafts and compare a few shops before buying.
- Visit in the morning for softer light on the facade and fewer tour groups.
- Dress modestly, since the building houses Islamic administration offices.
- Some interior parts are off-limits, so ask permission before photographing people or entering doors.
When to visit
Mornings in spring or autumn give the best light and comfortable temperatures. Midsummer afternoons are hot with little shade.
Accessibility
The courtyard is mostly level, but entrances and thresholds to the former cells may include steps. Wheelchair users can see the facade and main court.
Frequently asked questions
Can visitors go inside Barak Khan Madrasa?
The courtyard and arcade of craft shops are open to the public. Administrative rooms used by the Muslim Board are generally not accessible.
How long does a visit take?
About 20 to 40 minutes for the madrasa itself, longer if browsing the craft shops or combining with the rest of the Khast Imam square.
Is the site suitable for children?
Yes, the courtyard is open and safe, though visitors should keep voices low and respect the religious setting.