Mausoleum of Hazrati Imam (Kaffal Shoshiy), Tashkent

The Mausoleum of Kaffal Shashi, also known as Hazrat Imam or Hastimam, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of one of Islam's revered figures, Imam Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Ali ibn Ismail al-Kaffal ash-Shashi. Built in 1541-42 by the architect Ghulam Husayn, this monument is the final resting place of the 16th-century Islamic scholar and leader, whose influence resonates among Muslims worldwide. The mausoleum also houses the graves of Hazrat Imam's sons and his students, adding to its spiritual significance.

The structure features an asymmetric domed portal, known as a khanaka, flanked by residential cells (hujras) that historically provided shelter to dervishes and pilgrims. The exterior is a harmonious blend of hard-burned tiled bricks and decorative majolica, crowned with a striking blue dome. The windows are adorned with intricate ganch panjara, adding elegance to the monument’s timeless design. Above the entrance, Arabic inscriptions detail its construction and creator, while other inscriptions, like those in the basement, have been lost over time.

The mausoleum forms the centerpiece of the larger Hazrat Imam Complex, which includes a mosque and a kitchen, or oshkhona. To the south lies a small courtyard with a burial ground (sagan), further emphasizing the site’s sacred purpose. Nearby, one can find the chillahona—underground cells—and the house where Khoja Ahrar Vali, a notable follower of Kaffal Shashi, once lived.

The mausoleum’s history reflects resilience in the face of adversity. During the Soviet era, when religious practices were suppressed, the site was closed by the authorities. Despite this, devoted worshipers continued to visit it in secret. In 1945, a decree by the Council of People's Commissars of the Uzbek SSR returned the mausoleum to the jurisdiction of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Central Asia and Kazakhstan, ensuring its preservation and ongoing role as a place of reverence.

Today, the Mausoleum of Hazrati Imam remains a cherished landmark in Tashkent. It attracts pilgrims and admirers of Islamic architecture while preserving the memory of its esteemed namesake.