Muyi Muborak Madrasah
Muyi Muborak Madrasah in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
The Muyi Muborak Madrasah is located in the old part of Tashkent, within the Hazrati Imam complex. It is one of the most famous buildings in the ensemble, associated not only with the history of Islamic education but also with the preservation of especially revered relics and manuscripts. For tourists, this place is primarily interesting as part of an important religious center of the city, where architecture is combined with monuments of written culture.
The building dates back to the 16th century, although it was repeatedly rebuilt in later periods. At different times, premises for religious purposes operated here, and later a collection of manuscripts and early printed books was formed. Over time, this collection became the foundation of a major book fund connected with the history of Islamic scholarship in Uzbekistan.
The madrasah gained its greatest fame thanks to the Quran of Osman, which is traditionally considered one of the oldest surviving handwritten copies of the Quran. This relic was kept in different cities for a long time and was later returned to Tashkent. Today, the manuscript is preserved under special conditions necessary for the protection of the ancient manuscript.
The name Muyi Muborak is usually translated as "sacred hair" and is associated with a legend about a relic revered in Islamic tradition. Even if part of the manuscript collection is now housed in new premises of the complex, the madrasah itself retains special significance as a historical place of preservation for the most valuable Islamic monuments. A visit is usually combined with a tour of the entire Hazrati Imam ensemble.
Muyi Muborak Madrasah on the map
Tashkent, Old City of Tashkent: Architectural and historical complexes
Hazrati Imam Ensemble, Kukeldash Madrasah, Barak-Khan Madrasah
Muyi Muborak Madrasah and the manuscript heritage of Hazrati Imam
Manuscripts and relics of Islamic tradition are preserved here.
The storage place of an ancient Quran manuscript in the Hazrati Imam ensemble
During a visit to the madrasah, visitors usually pay attention not so much to the size of the building as to its role in the history of the complex. What matters here is the very significance of the place: it is connected with the careful preservation of manuscripts, religious relics, and monuments of the Islamic book tradition. The exhibition area may be limited, so it is better to perceive a trip here as an introduction to a historical and spiritual center rather than as a visit to a large museum.
The main interest for many is connected with the Quran of Osman. The manuscript is known for its large format and special status in the Islamic world. It is kept under conditions that help protect the ancient material from light, temperature fluctuations, and humidity, so the display format may depend on current preservation rules and access regulations.
The madrasah is convenient to visit together with other structures of the Hazrati Imam complex. Nearby are the Hazrati Imam Mosque, the Barak-Khan Madrasah, and the mausoleum of Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi, so a walk through this part of old Tashkent usually takes more time than visiting a single building.
You can get here by taxi or public transport from the center of Tashkent; after that, it is convenient to move around the complex on foot. Before visiting, it is worth considering that this is an active religious space, so clothing and behavior should be modest.
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Photos of the madrasah
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