Craft shops in the former student cells of the madrasa, where artisans sell ceramics, textiles and carvings.
The Barak Khan Madrasa craft shops occupy the former student cells of the Barak Khan Madrasa on Khast Imam Square in the Old City of Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The 16th-century madrasa, with its tiled facade and blue dome, forms part of the Khast Imam complex, and its courtyard cells now house small workshops and shops selling traditional crafts. Goods include hand-painted ceramics, suzani embroidered textiles, carved wooden items such as Quran stands, miniature paintings, traditional hats, silk and cotton scarves, jewellery and musical instruments. Compared with generic souvenir shopping, the setting means many pieces are made or finished by the artisans working in or near the cells, and quality is generally higher than at mass-market stalls, although some shops also stock factory-made items, so visitors benefit from asking who made a piece and examining stitching, glaze and carving. Prices are higher than in general bazaars, reflecting the location and the labour involved. Bargaining is accepted but done politely and modestly; shopkeepers often start with a visitor price, and a moderate reduction is typical, particularly when buying several items. Payment is commonly in cash, Uzbek som, though some shops accept cards or foreign currency by arrangement, and there is no formal tax-refund process for these purchases. The atmosphere is quieter and more relaxed than at Chorsu Bazaar, with tour groups passing through at midday and artisans often willing to demonstrate their work. Food is not sold in the cells themselves, but cafes and tea houses stand in the surrounding Khast Imam area. The courtyard is arranged as a single rectangle of cells, so the shops are easy to walk in a loop. Visitors should look for ceramics from known regional traditions, check that textiles are hand-embroidered, and keep export rules in mind for antiques or old textiles, which may require documentation. A visit of 45 to 90 minutes combines shopping with the surrounding mosques and the library housing the Uthman Quran.
| Hours | Daily, roughly 09:00-18:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $$ |
| Address | Abubakr Shoshiy Street, Khast Imam Square, Tashkent |
Location
Abubakr Shoshiy Street, Khast Imam Square, Tashkent
41.3370, 69.2387 View on map
Highlights
- Browse craft cells inside a 16th-century madrasa courtyard
- Look for hand-painted ceramics and embroidered suzani textiles
- Watch artisans at work on carving and miniature painting
- Combine shopping with the Khast Imam mosques and library
Tips for visiting
- Visit in the morning before tour groups arrive around midday.
- Ask who made a piece and check stitching, glaze and carving to separate handmade from factory goods.
- Negotiate modestly and politely; a moderate discount is typical for multiple items.
- Carry cash in som, as card acceptance is inconsistent.
- Antiques and old textiles may need export documentation; ask the shop.
When to visit
Mornings are quietest and best for talking with artisans; midday brings tour groups.
Accessibility
The courtyard is largely flat, but thresholds into the cells are narrow and sometimes stepped, so wheelchair access to individual shops may be limited.
Frequently asked questions
Are the crafts at Barak Khan Madrasa handmade?
Many are made by resident or local artisans, but some shops also sell factory-made goods. Visitors can ask about the maker and inspect the work.
Is bargaining acceptable?
Yes, in a polite and modest way. A moderate discount is usual, especially when buying several items.
Are there places to eat nearby?
The shops themselves do not serve food, but cafes and tea houses are located around Khast Imam Square.