Kukeldash Madrasa
Koʻkaldosh madrasasi
A 16th-century madrasa beside Chorsu Bazaar, with a tall yellow-brick gateway, and the best-preserved ancient Islamic building in Tashkent.
Kukeldash Madrasa was built around 1569–1570, funded by a minister of the Tashkent ruler. (“Kukeldash” means “milk brother.”) It is one of the larger surviving madrasas in Central Asia. The main gate, about 20 meters high, has a yellow-brick facade decorated with blue and green glazed tiles in geometric patterns, flanked by corner towers. Historically it served as a caravanserai and a fortress, and in the 19th century, during the Tsarist period, it was even used as an execution ground. It was restored in the 1990s and returned to use as an Islamic school. Two-story student cells surround the inner courtyard. Visitors may enter the courtyard without disturbing classes, for a small admission fee. Next door is the large Juma Mosque (Hoja Ahror Vali). Visitors must cover their shoulders and knees, and women are advised to wear a headscarf. Take the blue metro line to Chorsu station, and combine your visit with Chorsu Bazaar.
Opening hours
About 09:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Chorsu Bazaar
- Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan
- Tashkent City Park
- Hazrati Imam Complex
- Magic City Park
- State Museum of Applied Arts
- Tashkent Metro
- State Museum of History of Uzbekistan