Home › Destinations › Kukeldash Madrasah
Kukeldash Madrasah, Oʻzbekiston - Things to Do in Kukeldash Madrasah

Things to Do in Kukeldash Madrasah

Kukeldash Madrasah, Oʻzbekiston - Complete Travel Guide

Tashkent, the vibrant capital of Uzbekistan, is a fascinating blend of ancient Islamic architecture and Soviet-era modernism, where the historic Kukeldash Madrasah stands as one of Central Asia's most significant religious monuments. Built in the 16th century during the reign of Abdullah Khan II, this magnificent madrasah represents the pinnacle of Islamic educational architecture and continues to serve as an active religious school today. The city itself offers visitors an extraordinary journey through centuries of Silk Road history, from bustling traditional bazaars to grand madrasahs and mausoleums. As Uzbekistan's largest city and cultural heart, Tashkent provides an ideal base for exploring the country's rich Islamic heritage while enjoying modern amenities and infrastructure. The Kukeldash Madrasah, located near the famous Chorsu Bazaar, exemplifies the city's role as a center of Islamic learning and culture, with its stunning brick facade, intricate geometric patterns, and peaceful courtyard offering visitors a glimpse into centuries of scholarly tradition.

Top Things to Do in Kukeldash Madrasah

Explore Kukeldash Madrasah and Islamic Architecture

Visit the 16th-century Kukeldash Madrasah, Central Asia's largest functioning madrasah, featuring stunning Islamic architecture with intricate brickwork and geometric designs. The complex includes student cells, lecture halls, and a beautiful central courtyard where you can observe traditional Islamic education in practice. The madrasah's proximity to other historical sites makes it perfect for a comprehensive walking tour of Tashkent's old city.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around $2-3 USD, best visited early morning (8-10 AM) for softer lighting and fewer crowds. Look for local guides who can explain the architectural details and current educational programs - expect to pay $15-25 for a knowledgeable English-speaking guide.

Shop at Chorsu Bazaar

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Chorsu Bazaar, located just steps from Kukeldash Madrasah, where you can browse traditional crafts, spices, textiles, and local produce under the distinctive blue-domed market building. This 2000-year-old trading post continues the Silk Road tradition with vendors selling everything from hand-woven carpets to fresh pomegranates. The bazaar offers an authentic glimpse into daily Uzbek life and commerce.

Booking Tip: Free to enter, best visited mid-morning when vendors are fully set up but before afternoon heat. Bring small bills for bargaining - start at 30-40% of asking price. Consider hiring a local guide for $10-15 to help navigate and translate.

Discover Hast Imam Complex

Visit the spiritual heart of Tashkent at the Hast Imam Complex, home to several important religious buildings including the Barak Khan Madrasah and the library containing the world-famous Othman Quran. This complex showcases different periods of Islamic architecture and houses one of Islam's most sacred manuscripts, believed to be the world's oldest existing Quran. The peaceful courtyards and stunning tilework provide excellent photography opportunities.

Booking Tip: Entry fee around $3-5 USD, additional $5 to see the ancient Quran manuscript. Visit during morning hours for better lighting and to avoid tour groups. Professional photography permits cost extra $10-15.

Experience Traditional Uzbek Cuisine

Immerse yourself in Uzbek culinary culture through cooking classes or food tours featuring signature dishes like plov (pilaf), manti (steamed dumplings), and fresh nan bread baked in traditional tandoor ovens. Many experiences include visits to local homes or traditional restaurants where you can learn about the cultural significance of food in Uzbek hospitality. The experience often includes tea ceremonies and discussions about Islamic dietary traditions.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes range from $25-50 per person including ingredients and meal. Book through reputable operators who emphasize hygiene standards. Evening classes often include cultural performances and cost $40-70 per person.

Explore Tashkent's Soviet Architecture and Museums

Discover Tashkent's unique Soviet-era architecture and visit world-class museums like the State Museum of Applied Arts, housed in a beautiful traditional building showcasing Uzbek crafts and textiles. The city's wide boulevards, grand squares, and monumental buildings tell the story of Central Asian modernization. Many museums feature exhibits on Islamic art and the region's role in Silk Road trade.

Booking Tip: Museum entry fees range from $2-8 USD, with discounts for students. Many museums are closed on Mondays. Consider a full-day city tour for $30-50 per person including transportation and guide to cover multiple sites efficiently.

Getting There

Tashkent is accessible via Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport, which receives direct flights from major cities across Europe, Asia, and Russia. The airport is located about 12km from the city center, with taxi services costing $5-10 USD or airport shuttles for $2-3 USD. Overland travelers can reach Tashkent by train from cities like Samarkand (2.5 hours on the high-speed Afrosiyob train) or by shared taxi from neighboring countries. Most visitors require a visa, though many nationalities can now obtain e-visas or visa-free entry for short stays.

Getting Around

Tashkent has an efficient and affordable metro system with beautifully decorated stations, costing less than $0.50 per ride and connecting major attractions and districts. Taxis are readily available through apps like Yandex.Taxi or can be hailed on the street, with short rides typically costing $1-3 USD. For visiting historical sites like Kukeldash Madrasah, walking is often the best option as many attractions are clustered in the old city area. Public buses and marshrutkas (minibuses) provide extensive coverage but can be crowded and challenging for non-Russian speakers.

Where to Stay

Tashkent City Center
Old City near Chorsu Bazaar
Amir Timur Square area
Yunusabad district
Mirabad district
Near Independence Square

Food & Dining

Tashkent's dining scene ranges from traditional chaikhanas (tea houses) serving authentic plov and kebabs to upscale restaurants offering modern interpretations of Uzbek cuisine. The area around Kukeldash Madrasah and Chorsu Bazaar features numerous local eateries where you can sample street food like somsa (baked pastries) and fresh bread from tandoor ovens. For a more refined experience, restaurants in the city center offer multi-course Uzbek meals with cultural performances, while international cuisine is increasingly available in modern shopping centers and hotel restaurants.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Tashkent

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Pro.Khinkali

4.8 /5
(1103 reviews)

Syrovarnya

4.6 /5
(822 reviews)

Roni Pizza Napoletana

4.8 /5
(703 reviews)
meal_delivery

RONI Pizza Napoletana

4.7 /5
(620 reviews)
meal_delivery

Yuzhanin

4.7 /5
(515 reviews)

QUADRO

4.5 /5
(277 reviews)
all dining options →

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Tashkent and Kukeldash Madrasah is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when temperatures are mild and comfortable for walking tours of historical sites. Summer months (June-August) can be extremely hot with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), making outdoor exploration challenging, while winter (December-February) can be cold and occasionally snowy. Spring offers the added benefit of blooming trees and pleasant weather for photography, while autumn provides clear skies and comfortable temperatures ideal for extended sightseeing.

Insider Tips

Dress modestly when visiting Kukeldash Madrasah and other religious sites - long pants and covered shoulders are required, and women should carry a headscarf
Learn basic Russian phrases as they're more widely understood than English, especially when bargaining at Chorsu Bazaar near the madrasah
Carry small denomination som notes for entry fees and tips, as many historical sites and local vendors don't accept cards or provide change for large bills

Explore Activities in Kukeldash Madrasah