Teleshayakh Mosque

The basics

Much like Samarkand’s Registan, the Hazrati Imam is a collection of madrasas and mosques dating back to the fabled Silk Road. It is free to enter the premises; many visitors walk around and take pictures of the minarets and domes. It is also possible to visit Teleshayakh Mosque, along with the other mosques in the complex, outside of prayer times. While many visitors tour the Hazrati Imam independently, it’s a good idea to visit alongside a guide who can explain the site's religious and historical context. The complex is included in many half and full-day itineraries of Tashkent.

Things to know before you go

• Plan on dressing modestly. That means long sleeves and pants for men, while women should keep chests, arms, and legs concealed. It is a good idea to bring a shawl in case you are requested to cover your hair.

• Photography is generally welcome, but you should ask permission before taking pictures of any people, especially worshippers. Photos and videos are often restricted within the prayer halls of the mosques.

• Information is typically available in Uzbek, Russian, and English, although signage is limited. Either read up on the site in advance or visit with a guide to get the most out of your experience. There’s a lot of history here to unpack.

• A highlight of the Hazrati Imam is the Muyi Muborek, a former madrasa that contains a vast religious library. Displayed there is a Quran manuscript believed to date back to the eighth or ninth century. Expect to pay a small fee to enter the exhibit.

How to get there

Teleshayakh Mosque is located in northern Tashkent, the oldest section of the capital. Order a rideshare using an app, or hail a taxi off the street (be sure to agree on a price in advance.) Alternatively, consider taking the Tashkent Metro, known for its lavishly decorated Soviet-era stations; it’s an attraction in its own right. Get off at Chorsu station on the O’zbekiston Line and walk for around 20 minutes.

When to get there

To beat the crowds, aim for the morning or late afternoon. This is also when you’ll find the best lighting conditions, so keep that in mind if you plan on taking photos. On sunny days, the pre-dusk golden hour will let you capture the complex’s stunning buildings bathed in buttery tones. Avoid Fridays, which is the day of prayer for Muslims.

Food and hand-crafted souvenirs at Chorsu Bazaar

Located near Teleshayakh Mosque, Chorsu Bazaar is one of the most unmissable destinations in Tashkent. This domed marketplace has served as a trading hub for centuries, and it’s one of the best places in the city to observe life in the capital in all its vibrancy. Shop for produce, clothing, hand-painted pottery, wood-carved figurines, ikat fabrics, suzani embroidery, and puppets, as well as traditional Uzbek snacks like dried yogurt balls and freshly baked bread.