The origins of the Hazrati Imam Complex trace to the mausoleum built in the 16th century CE over the grave of Hazrati Imam (Kaffal Shashi). The first major structure on the site was erected in 1541-1542 CE by the royal architect Gʻulom (Ghulam) Husayn. Over time, during the Sheybanid period, the area around the tomb became a centre around which further religious, educational, and devotional structures were erected. Barak Khan Madrasa (also spelled Baroqxon) dates from that same 16th-century period.

During the 19th century, additional mosques were built or renovated; the Tilla Sheikh (“Golden Sheikh”) Mosque was constructed under the patronage of Mirza Ahmed Kushbegi, a wealthy figure of the time. The Moʻyi Muborak Madrasa, although its origins trace back earlier, was rebuilt or significantly developed in 1856-1857 CE under Mirza Ahmad Qushbegi.

Over centuries, many buildings in the complex fell into disrepair, especially under various political changes and the Soviet era. In recent years, particularly since the early 2000s, substantial restoration projects have been undertaken. In 2007 the new Hazrati Imam Mosque (the reconstruction or replacement of the older one) was completed. Restoration efforts as of 2025 have been approved for several of the historic monuments within the complex (Barakhan and Muyi Muborak madrasahs, the Kaffal Shashi mausoleum, Namozgoh and Tilla Shaykh mosques) with attention to use of traditional materials and to avoid damage to original structures.

Institutionally, the site now includes new components such as the Center for Islamic Civilization (established 2017), which is located adjacent to or within the precincts of the Hazrati Imam complex and focuses on research, education, and promotion of Islamic culture in Uzbekistan.

circa 1530 CE

Barak Khan Madrasa
Constructed in the 16th century CE under the Shaybanid ruler Barak Khan, the Barak Khan madrasa (Baroqxon Madrasasi) is among the earliest monumental structures of the complex. It functioned as both an educational institution and a center of Islamic jurisprudence. The madrasa showcases characteristic Timurid-inspired architecture with domes, intricate tilework, and monumental portals. It became a key site of scholarly activity and remains central to the historic identity of the Hazrati Imam Complex.

circa 1540 CE

Qaffol Shoshiy Mausoleum
The Qaffol Shoshiy Mausoleum, dedicated to Imam Abu Bakr Muhammad al-Kaffal al-Shashi, originally dates to the 10th century CE and was later reconstructed in subsequent centuries. al-Kaffal al-Shashi’s role as a renowned Islamic scholar and revered saint elevated the site’s status as a spiritual center. The mausoleum embodies early Islamic architectural styles in the region, with later restorations preserving its role as a pilgrimage destination for those seeking blessings at the tomb of Tashkent’s patron saint.

circa 1550 CE

Moʻyi Muborak Madrasa
Originally built in the 16th century CE, the Moʻyi Muborak Madrasa (Moyie Mubarek Library Museum) is distinguished by housing two of the most revered Islamic relics in Uzbekistan: a strand of hair reportedly belonging to Prophet Muhammad and one of the oldest Qurʾānic manuscripts, the Kufic-script Uthman Qurʾān. These relics elevated the madrasa into a site of pilgrimage-like reverence, attracting visitors from across Central Asia. The structure itself reflects the Shaybanid architectural tradition, balancing functionality as an educational institution with its role as a reliquary.

circa 1890 CE

Tillashayx Mosque
The Tillashayx Mosque (Tillya Sheikh Mosque), also referred to as Tilla Shaykh, was erected during the 16th century CE and has long served as an important congregational mosque within the complex. It is particularly significant as the repository of the Uthman Qurʾān for many centuries, underscoring its role as a guardian of sacred heritage. The mosque’s design exemplifies regional mosque architecture with large domes, an ayvan-style prayer hall, and decorative inscriptions.

circa 2007 CE

Hazrati Imam Mosque
Constructed in the early 21st century as part of Uzbekistan’s post-independence cultural revival, the Hazrati Imam Mosque is the largest structure in the ensemble. With its monumental scale, multiple domes, and two soaring minarets, it reflects both continuity with classical Islamic architecture and the ambitions of modern nation-building. Serving as the main congregational mosque of Tashkent, it anchors the religious and cultural life of the city while complementing the historical monuments of the complex.

circa 2020 CE

Center of Islamic Civilization
The newly established Center of Islamic Civilization (Islom Sivilizatsiya Markazi), integrated within the Hazrati Imam Complex, reflects Uzbekistan’s effort to position itself as a center of Islamic scholarship and cultural heritage in the modern era. It houses research facilities, libraries, and educational spaces dedicated to Islamic history, theology, and manuscript studies. The center connects the region’s medieval scholarly traditions with contemporary academic discourse, reinforcing the enduring role of the Hazrati Imam Complex as a locus of intellectual and spiritual activity.