Islom Ota Masjidi

The majestic Islam Ota Mosque is one of the most significant religious buildings in Tashkent, harmoniously blending three hundred years of history with modern art. Dedicated to the memory of the first president of Uzbekistan, this complex is an impressive architectural ensemble in the Central Asian style.

Islom Ota Mosque. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The main highlight of the complex is the enormous sky-blue dome, which, combined with the tall 21-meter minaret, creates a recognizable and solemn silhouette. The building is finished with noble marble, limestone, and exquisite ceramic tiles, emphasizing its status as an important spiritual and cultural center.

Following a large-scale reconstruction, the mosque's area doubled, and its territory now covers 5,400 square meters. This allows the complex to accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers simultaneously, making it one of the largest and most visited mosques in the region.

The following contact information will be helpful for planning your visit to this spiritual landmark. The mosque is located in an accessible area known for its traditional markets.

Visitors can begin their exploration of the complex by observing its unique architecture. The main prayer hall, 26 meters long, impresses with its lightness and abundance of light, creating ideal conditions for prayer or peaceful reflection in silence.

The mosque's library deserves special attention. It houses valuable manuscripts and rare copies of spiritual literature, making it an important center for preserving cultural heritage. This is a great opportunity for tourists and pilgrims to connect with the history of Islam in the region and see rare literary monuments.

A walk through the grounds allows you to see the slender Turkish-style minaret and four small towers at the corners of the building in detail. Islam Ota Mosque is a place where you can not only witness the craftsmanship of modern builders but also feel an atmosphere of spiritual tranquility, hidden away from the city's hustle and bustle.

Islam Ota Mosque is located on Fergana Yuli Street, near the famous "Rice Bazaar" (Risoviy Bazar). Although the complex is situated slightly away from the very center of the city, it can be reached quickly and comfortably.

The most convenient way is to take a taxi, which is easily available in Tashkent via mobile apps. A ride from the central districts or the nearest metro stations takes about 15–20 minutes. If you prefer public transport, look for buses and minibuses heading toward the "Rice Bazaar."

For those traveling by car or using a navigator, the exact coordinates are: 41.2770776, 69.3092619. Parking spaces are available near the mosque.

The history of this site began long before the modern building was constructed. Originally, the "Jurabek" mosque was built here in 1897, named after General Jurabek—a direct descendant of Emir Timur and an influential Bek of Kitab. He initiated the creation of this religious center and was later buried on the adjacent grounds.

In April 2015, the historic structure was severely damaged by a major fire caused by a short circuit. Rather than a simple restoration, the decision was made to rebuild the mosque from the ground up, transforming it into a safe and modern complex while remaining faithful to the canons of Islamic architecture.

The grand opening of the renovated mosque took place in October 2016. It was renamed "Islam Ota" in honor of the first president of the republic, Islam Karimov. The new building became an embodiment of Central Asian style, organically combining centuries-old traditions of Uzbek architecture with modern design techniques.

A full visit to the architectural ensemble and the mosque's library typically takes 1 to 2 hours. This is plenty of time to leisurely explore the interiors, admire the dome, and walk through the well-kept grounds.

If you are interested in spiritual literature or wish to spend time in the quiet of the local library, consider setting aside a bit more time. The site encourages quiet contemplation, so there is no need to rush if you want to fully experience the complex's unique atmosphere.

Islam Ota Mosque is open to visitors daily. The most suitable time for a sightseeing visit is from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays, when the complex enjoys a quiet atmosphere conducive to viewing the architecture.

Please take into account the times of daily prayers (namaz), during which access for tourists may be restricted. We recommend checking information on the official website or confirming details with local guides before your trip.

A walk to the Islam Ota Mosque can easily be combined with visits to other interesting city locations. Exploring the surrounding parks and recreation areas will allow you to better understand the modern face of the capital and enjoy its green spaces.