Muyi Muborak Library

Overview

Nestled within the historic Hazrat Imam Complex in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, the Muyi Muborak Library stands as a beacon of Islamic heritage and scholarly pursuit. This revered institution, whose name translates to 'Sacred Hair', is primarily celebrated for two exceptionally significant treasures: a relic believed to be a strand of the Prophet Muhammad's hair and one of the world's oldest surviving Qur'an manuscripts. Once a 16th-century madrasa, or Islamic school, the building now functions as a library and museum, drawing pilgrims and curious travelers alike into its sacred embrace. It houses an impressive collection of over 20,000 manuscripts and lithographs, alongside translations of the Holy Qur'an into more than 30 languages, offering a profound glimpse into centuries of Islamic scholarship and culture.

The library is an integral part of the larger Hazrat Imam Complex, an architectural ensemble that has evolved from the 16th to the 20th centuries. This complex, located in Tashkent's 'Old City' district, is a vibrant spiritual and historical hub, comprising mosques, mausoleums, and other madrasas, all contributing to a serene and deeply atmospheric environment.

History & Cultural Background

The Muyi Muborak Library building itself originated in the 16th century, potentially around 1550 CE, initially serving as a khanqah – a hospice or shelter for dervishes. Over time, it transformed into a madrasa, an educational institution for religious studies, before its current role as a library and museum. Historical records indicate it underwent significant rebuilding between 1856 and 1857 under the patronage of Mirzo Ahmad Qushbegi. The broader Hazrat Imam Complex is named in honor of Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Ali Ismoil ash-Qaffol Shoshiy, also known as Hazrati Imam, an esteemed 10th-century scholar, poet, artist, and Tashkent's first imam-khatib. His mausoleum forms a central element of the complex, around which other significant structures, including the Muyi Muborak Madrasa, gradually arose.

The most famed resident of the Muyi Muborak Library is undoubtedly the Uthman Quran, also known as the Samarkand Kufic Quran. Its journey to Tashkent is a tale interwoven with Central Asian history. Tradition holds that this ancient manuscript, dating from the 7th or 8th century, was brought to Samarkand by the formidable conqueror Amir Timur. It was later transported to Moscow by the Russians in 1868, only to be returned to Tashkent by Vladimir Lenin in 1924 as a gesture of goodwill to the Muslims of Turkestan. This historical trajectory underscores the manuscript's immense cultural and religious importance across empires and eras.

What Makes It Special

What truly sets the Muyi Muborak Library apart are its unparalleled historical artifacts. Foremost among these is the legendary Uthman Quran. Believed to be one of the earliest complete written versions of the Holy Book, its pages are said to bear the bloodstains of the third Caliph Uthman, who was purportedly assassinated while reading it in 655 CE. While modern scholarship places its creation in the 8th or 9th century and debates the bloodstain attribution, the manuscript's sheer antiquity and its connection to early Islamic history make it an object of profound veneration. It represents an invaluable tangible link to the formative years of Islam.

Equally compelling is the relic of a hair believed to belong to the Prophet Muhammad, which gives the library its evocative name, 'Sacred Hair'. The presence of such a relic is exceedingly rare and inspires deep reverence, drawing devout visitors from across Central Asia and beyond. Beyond these central treasures, the library's extensive collection of manuscripts and lithographs, some dating back to the 14th century, further enriches its status as a vital repository of Islamic knowledge and artistic expression.

Architecturally, the Muyi Muborak Madrasa showcases classic Central Asian Islamic design. Built primarily of baked brick, it features symmetrical arches, glazed tilework often in shades of blue and turquoise, and a single ribbed dome. The restrained ornamentation is reflective of its religious function, creating an atmosphere conducive to contemplation and learning.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The very name 'Muyi Muborak' holds a captivating story, directly referencing the revered relic of Prophet Muhammad's hair preserved within its walls. This small, delicate strand imbues the entire institution with a sacred aura, a spiritual anchor for countless believers. The Uthman Quran itself is steeped in legend; its purported bloodstains, though debated by historians, add a dramatic and poignant layer to its already rich narrative. Imagine a book that has witnessed centuries of human history, passed through the hands of caliphs, conquerors, and revolutionaries, before finding its home here in Tashkent.

The figure of Hazrati Imam, the namesake of the larger complex, is equally fascinating. Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Ali Ismoil ash-Qaffol Shoshiy was not only a spiritual leader but also a polymath. He earned the nickname 'Qaffol', meaning 'locksmith', for his skill in crafting locks and keys. Legend also claims he was fluent in 72 languages and even translated the Old Testament (Torah) into Arabic – a testament to the intellectual vibrancy of Central Asia in his time. Visiting the 'Old City' area, where the complex resides, also offers a chance to experience traditional Tashkent, with its narrow alleys and historic mud-brick houses, providing a vivid contrast to the city's more modern districts.

Visitor Perspective

Visiting the Muyi Muborak Library offers a unique opportunity to connect with profound spiritual and historical narratives. It is best experienced as part of a visit to the entire Hazrat Imam Complex, allowing ample time to explore the surrounding mosques, madrasas, and mausoleums. The tranquil atmosphere of the complex, with its stunning turquoise tiles and impressive architecture, provides a serene backdrop for reflection.

For those eager to see the Uthman Quran, it is important to note a recent development. As of February 2026, the original Uthman Quran on display at the Muyi Muborak Madrasa has been replaced with a copy. According to museum staff, the original manuscript has been relocated to the newly established Center of Islamic Civilization, which is expected to open nearby in March 2026. While the copy still provides an immense sense of history, this update is crucial for managing visitor expectations. Photography inside the library has traditionally been restricted, so visitors should inquire about current policies. Be prepared for the possibility of a higher admission fee for foreign visitors, a common practice in many countries aimed at promoting domestic tourism. Despite ongoing construction within parts of the broader complex, the Muyi Muborak Library remains an essential destination for anyone interested in Islamic history, rare manuscripts, and the rich cultural tapestry of Uzbekistan.