Things to Do in Khast Imam Complex

The world's oldest Quran sits in Tashkent. The Khast Imam Complex houses this 7th-century manuscript along with Central Asia's most important collection of Islamic artifacts and manuscripts. Total religious immersion awaits. The complex spans several mosques, madrasas, and mausoleums—each telling different chapters of Uzbek Islamic history. What makes this place fascinating is how it blends active religious life with preservation efforts without any tourist-trap feeling. You'll see locals arriving for daily prayers alongside visitors examining centuries-old architecture. This isn't just a museum. The complex is a genuine religious center, which keeps it authentic in ways other sites can't match.

Chorsu Bazaar area delivers authentic dining experiences. Street food vendors near the complex sell incredibly fresh samsa (baked meat pastries) for under $1—don't miss these. The nearby bazaar area has several traditional restaurants serving lagman noodles and manti dumplings. Central Tashkent offers upscale options. International cuisine sits alongside refined Uzbek restaurants about 15 minutes away. Tea culture dominates here, so try green tea with traditional sweets at local chaikhanas (teahouses).

Spring and autumn work best here. April-May and September-October bring comfortable walking weather when the complex gardens look their most impressive. Summer heat reaches 35-40°C (95-104°F), making early morning or late afternoon visits essential. Winter visits work fine. Some outdoor areas lose appeal in cold weather, though. Ramadan brings special atmosphere to the complex—some facilities might adjust hours. Weekdays offer more peaceful experiences since Fridays get busy with congregational prayers.