Kokaldash Madrasah

Imagine a majestic portal reaching into the bright blue sky — this is Kukeldash Madrasah, one of the most significant landmarks ancient Tashkent has to offer. This 16th-century architectural monument is the largest surviving madrasah in the old part of the city and a pride of all Uzbekistan.

The building is constructed from traditional burnt brick and is a classic example of Central Asian architecture. Its dominant feature is the massive entrance portal — the peshtak, which reaches a height of nearly 20 meters. The facade is decorated with exquisite majolica in white and blue tones, and the windows are covered with ornate lattice screens known as panjaras, with sacred names encrypted in their patterns.

Kukeldash Madrasah. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Hidden inside is a spacious and quiet courtyard surrounded by two-story student cells — hujras. This is not just a static museum piece, but a living testament to history that continues to fulfill its educational mission today.

To confirm the latest information before your visit, you can use the official contact details.

A visit to the madrasah offers a unique opportunity to see the living connection between eras. Here, you can stroll through the courtyard, admire the slender columns, and examine the details of the restored majolica on the walls. As it is an active educational institution, visitors can observe student life and hear the voice of the muezzin calling to prayer from the high guldasta towers.

Be sure to pay attention to the skillful wood and stone carvings decorating the doors and windows. Photographers will love the play of light and shadow in the courtyard arcades, while history buffs will appreciate the preserved atmosphere of a medieval university.

The convenient location allows you to combine your cultural program with an immersion into local flavor: the famous Chorsu Bazaar begins right outside the madrasah's threshold. After touring the architectural monument, you can head there for fresh flatbreads, Oriental sweets, or handmade souvenirs, perfectly completing the image of old Tashkent in your memory.

Finding Kukeldash Madrasah is quite easy, as it is located in the city's historical core at Beruni Avenue Relief Road. This spot is a key point of the Old City and is in the immediate vicinity of the famous Chorsu Bazaar.

The most convenient way to get there is by using the city's metro system. You need to reach Chorsu station; once you exit, the madrasah building will be visible almost immediately. It is also easily accessible from the central part of the city by taxi or via numerous buses and minibuses heading to the "Chorsu Bazaar" stop.

The construction of this grandiose structure dates back to 1569–1570. It was built thanks to the initiative of the vizier of the Tashkent sultans Barak Khan and Dervish Khan, who was popularly called "Kukeldash," which translates from Turkic as "milk brother". Since its completion, it has been a major spiritual and educational center for the region.

Over the centuries, the building has changed roles several times: it served as a residence for khans, was used as a caravanserai, and even functioned as a fortress. Unfortunately, strong earthquakes in the 19th century caused serious damage to the structure, resulting in the loss of part of the original decoration and the third tier of the building, which, according to legends, existed initially.

During the Soviet period, various institutions were located here, ranging from museums to workshops. However, thanks to large-scale restorations, Kukeldash Madrasah has been returned to its majestic appearance. Today, it is once again an active educational institution, carefully preserving the traditions of the past in the very heart of a modern metropolis.

To leisurely inspect the architectural details of the facade, enter the inner courtyard, and feel the atmosphere of the learning process, it usually takes about 1–2 hours.

If you plan to combine your visit with a walk through the neighboring Chorsu Bazaar and lunch at the national cuisine area, we recommend allocating at least half a day for visiting this district.

The doors of Kukeldash Madrasah are open to visitors daily from 08:00 to 18:00, including weekends.

Given that the site is an active spiritual center, the schedule may change slightly depending on prayer times or religious holidays. We recommend checking the institution's official website before your visit for specific details.

A walk around the area surrounding the madrasah allows for a deeper immersion into the atmosphere of an Oriental fairy tale. Its proximity to traditional markets and modern parks makes this location an ideal starting point for a comprehensive exploration of the city.