Hazrati Imam Mosque

Overview

Hazrati Imam Mosque (Tellya Sheikh Mosque) is the grand Friday mosque at the center of the Khast Imam Complex. Its vast prayer hall, turquoise domes, and towering minarets make it the spiritual anchor of Tashkent's Old City.

Highlights

• Main Prayer Hall: A vast interior with carved wooden pillars, painted ceiling panels, and Quranic calligraphy.
• Twin Minarets: Soaring turquoise-tiled minarets flanking the main entrance.
• Courtyard: An expansive marble-paved courtyard accommodating thousands of worshippers during Friday prayers.

History

The mosque is named after Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi (Hazrati Imam), a revered 10th-century Islamic scholar buried nearby. The current building was substantially enlarged and renovated in the early 2000s as part of a major restoration of the entire Khast Imam Complex under President Karimov's patronage.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Visit outside Friday prayer times for calmer exploration; Friday prayers draw large crowds.
• Tip 2: Free entry. Dress modestly; women should cover their heads.
• Duration: 20–30 minutes.