The Barak Khan Madrasa stands on the west side of Khast Imam Square in the Old City of Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on Abubakr Shoshiy Street in Olmazor District. It was built in the mid-16th century and takes its name from Navruz Ahmad Khan, known as Barak Khan, a Shaybanid ruler of Tashkent who died in 1556 and is buried in the building's mausoleum. The madrasa belongs to the Shaybanid dynasty, descendants of Shaybani Khan who ruled much of Transoxiana after the decline of the Timurids.
Architecturally the building follows the classic Central Asian madrasa plan: a rectangular courtyard surrounded by a single row of student cells (hujras), with a monumental pishtaq portal facing the square. The portal and domes are covered in blue, turquoise and white glazed tile, and the courtyard is lined with arched galleries. The mausoleum chamber on the grounds contains the graves of Barak Khan and later relatives. The whole structure was reworked several times over the centuries, and much of the visible tilework reflects Soviet-era and post-independence restoration.
The madrasa functioned as a school of Islamic studies for generations, and it served that purpose again in the 20th century, when it housed the Muslim Board of Central Asia's religious teaching activities for part of the Soviet period. Today the former cells hold small workshops and craft shops selling hand-painted ceramics, wooden items, calligraphy, embroidery and traditional musical instruments, so visitors can watch artisans at work while exploring the courtyard. There is no formal museum display or ticketed exhibition; the interpretive approach is that of a living craft courtyard.
The madrasa forms part of the wider Khast Imam ensemble, which also includes the Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, the Tellya Sheikh Mosque and the Muyi Muborak Library Museum. Because it sits directly on the main square, it is easily visited on the same walk. The building is in good condition following repeated restorations, though visitors should remember that the courtyard shops are commercial and prices are negotiable.
| Admission | Free to enter the courtyard |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily, roughly 09:00-18:00 for the courtyard shops |
| Address | Abubakr Shoshiy Street, Khast Imam Square, Olmazor District, Tashkent |
Why it matters
Barak Khan Madrasa is one of the few surviving 16th-century Islamic schools in Tashkent and a rare monument from the Shaybanid era, when the city was ruled by Barak Khan. It still serves as a centre of religious learning and craft in the Old City.
Location
Abubakr Shoshiy Street, Khast Imam Square, Olmazor District, Tashkent
41.3370, 69.2387 View on map
Highlights
- Blue-tiled pishtaq portal and domes facing Khast Imam Square
- Courtyard of arched galleries and former student cells
- Craft workshops selling ceramics, wooden goods, calligraphy and instruments
- Mausoleum of Barak Khan, the 16th-century Shaybanid ruler
Tips for visiting
- Entry to the courtyard is free, so budget for crafts rather than tickets.
- Prices in the cell shops are negotiable; compare two or three stalls before buying.
- Visit earlier in the day for easier photographs of the portal without crowds.
- Pair this stop with the Muyi Muborak museum next door, which holds the Uthman Quran.
When to visit
Mornings in spring and autumn are quietest and coolest. Midday in summer is very hot in the open courtyard.
Accessibility
The courtyard is level and open, though entrances have small steps and thresholds. Wheelchair users can reach most of the shops with some assistance.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Barak Khan Madrasa open to visitors?
Yes. The courtyard is open daily and free to enter, and the former student cells operate as craft shops.
How long does a visit take?
Around 30 to 45 minutes is enough for the courtyard and shops, and longer if combined with the rest of the Khast Imam Complex.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. The courtyard is open, safe and easy to walk, though children should be reminded that the stalls hold fragile ceramics.
Is English spoken at the madrasa?
Shopkeepers generally manage basic English, but there is little formal signage, so a local guide helps with the history.