Madrasah Kukeldash is one of the biggest madrasahs of old Tashkent,
located in the Old City of Tashkent near Chorsu Bazaar. Kukeldash Madrasah is
one of the capital's most famous and impressive historic landmarks.
Interestingly, long before the madrasah was built, one of Tashkent's main city
gates stood on this exact spot in the 10th century. Kukeldash Madrasah was
built in the 16th century, specifically around 1569–1570, during the Shaybanid
dynasty. Construction was led by a high-ranking official and close advisor to
Tashkent's rulers, Baraq Khan and Darvish Khan. Known by the title
"Kukeldash," meaning "the ruler's foster brother," he gave
the madrasah its name. With its rich decorations and sky-blue tiles, the
building rivaled the grand architecture of Samarkand and Bukhara at the time.
Originally, the madrasah was part of Tashkent’s main city square, then called
the Registan. For centuries, it served as an educational and trading centre
where locals gathered to hear the latest news. However, throughout its complex
history, the building was repurposed and neglected several times. In the 17th
century, it was used as a caravanserai for travelling merchants, and in the
19th century, it served as a fortress for the rulers of the Kokand Khanate.
Changes in use, powerful earthquakes in the 19th century, and economic
difficulties eventually left the building in a state of disrepair. During the
Soviet period, it was reportedly used first as an atheism museum and later as a
museum of musical instruments. Following Uzbekistan's independence, further
restoration work was carried out to preserve the building and restore its
historic appearance. Today, this baked-brick structure showcases traditional Islamic
architecture. It features a grand entrance portal nearly 20 metres high and two
levels of student cells surrounding a central courtyard. Today, Kukeldash
Madrasah operates as an Islamic educational institution where more than a
hundred students study. At the same time, it remains an important historical
landmark that welcomes tourists and visitors interested in Tashkent's rich
history and cultural heritage.
