The Muyi Muborak Library Museum stands on the Khast Imam square in the Old City (Eski Shahar) of Tashkent, Uzbekistan, at Qorasaroy Street, beside the Barak Khan Madrasa and the Tillya Sheikh Mosque. The name Muyi Muborak means the Sacred Hair, referring to a relic traditionally attributed to the Prophet Muhammad that was once kept in the neighbouring Mui Mubarak Madrasa. The present building, completed in the early 21st century, is a purpose-built library and museum housing one of the most important Islamic manuscript collections in Central Asia.
The centrepiece is the Uthman Quran, a large 7th-century manuscript traditionally linked to the third caliph Uthman ibn Affan, who commissioned authoritative copies of the Quran. According to tradition it was taken by Timur to Samarkand, was removed after the Russian conquest in the 19th century to St Petersburg, spent time in Ufa, and was brought to Tashkent in 1924, where it has stayed ever since. It is written in early Kufic script on large sheets of parchment and is displayed in a protected case in a dedicated hall.
The collection also includes a wider range of rare Qurans, hand-copied manuscripts from different centuries, historical bindings, Islamic calligraphy and other objects from the region. Visitors move through the displays as an individual walk through a library rather than a strictly chronological museum, with the Uthman Quran as the climactic exhibit. The building uses traditional architectural motifs, including a portal, dome and decorative paintwork, alongside modern display and climate-control systems intended to protect the fragile manuscripts.
Preservation is a priority, so lighting is kept low and visitors are often asked to follow rules about photography and conduct. The library forms part of the Khast Imam religious precinct, which is administered alongside the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan. The current state is excellent for a recent building, although the original manuscripts have been repaired and restored over centuries. A visit works best as part of a longer walk around the square, since the surrounding buildings give historical context to the objects on display. Modest dress is expected, and the museum is quiet and contemplative compared with other busy Old City attractions.
| Admission | About 30,000–50,000 UZS (~$2.5–4.2) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily, typically 09:00–17:00 (verify the posted hours at the door) |
| Address | 107/2 Qorasaroy Street, Khast Imam Square, Tashkent, Uzbekistan |
Why it matters
The library houses the Uthman Quran, one of the oldest surviving copies of the Quran, which has been in Tashkent since 1924 after passing through Samarkand and Russia. It makes Tashkent a major site for the study of early Islamic manuscripts.
Location
107/2 Qorasaroy Street, Khast Imam Square, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
41.3371, 69.2403 View on map
Highlights
- See the Uthman Quran, a 7th-century manuscript of the Quran, in its dedicated hall
- View rare handwritten Qurans, bindings and calligraphy from across Central Asia
- Learn the story of the manuscript's journey from Samarkand to St Petersburg and back to Tashkent
- Combine with the Khast Imam square's mosques and madrasas
Tips for visiting
- Go to the Uthman Quran first, as it is the single must-see object.
- Photography rules vary, so ask the attendants before using a camera.
- Bring small bills in Uzbek som for the entrance fee.
- Dress modestly and speak quietly; the hall is a place of reverence.
When to visit
Weekday mornings are the quietest. The museum is indoors, so it also works well on hot summer afternoons.
Accessibility
The building is modern with generally level access, though some thresholds may exist. Visitors with mobility needs should check at the entrance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main exhibit?
The Uthman Quran, a 7th-century manuscript traditionally linked to the caliph Uthman, is the principal exhibit.
How long does a visit take?
Usually 30 to 45 minutes for the museum, or 1 to 2 hours with the rest of the Khast Imam square.
Is it English-friendly?
Some labels and staff explanations are available in English, though a local guide gives much more context.
Can children visit?
Yes, but the atmosphere is quiet and the exhibits are fragile, so children should be supervised.