Kukeldash Madrasa

Kukeldash Madrasa is a 16th-century Islamic school on Navoi Street (Alisher Navoiy shoh ko'chasi) in the Shaykhontohur District of Tashkent, Uzbekistan, a short walk from Chorsu Bazaar and Chorsu metro station. It is one of the largest surviving madrasas in the Old City and is associated with the Shaybanid period, when it was built under Kukeldash, a high official of the Bukharan ruler Abdullah Khan II. The building has a monumental brick facade with a central portal, two corner towers and a row of arched cells, and its scale makes it a clear landmark on the street. In later periods it served as a caravanserai and then a fortress, and in the Soviet era it was used for other purposes before restoration. Visitors can see the exterior at any time, and the facade is the main draw, with its glazed tile accents and proportioned arches. Interior and courtyard access varies, so it is worth checking at the gate, and some parts have been used for craft displays or small shops. A visit usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, longer if the courtyard is open. The best photography comes in late afternoon, when side light brings out the texture of the brickwork and tile. The site is quiet compared with the bazaar next door, which makes it a calm stop between market visits. Because it lies on a busy road, visitors should take care when crossing and framing photographs from the opposite pavement. Pairing it with Chorsu Bazaar is straightforward, and the 10-minute walk passes through typical Old City streets with tea houses and small shops. Entry to the exterior is free. Visitors should dress modestly, as the building has a religious heritage, and ask before photographing anyone nearby.