Hazrati Imam, or by his full name Abu Bakr ibn Ismail al-Kaffal ash-Shoshiy, was born and died in Tashkent more than a thousand years ago. For many pilgrims, he remains not merely a historical figure, but the principal holy figure of Tashkent, whose name is inseparably linked with the city’s spiritual history.
The word “Hazrati” translates as “most respected,” “holy,” or “lord,” and “Hazrati Imam” means “most respected imam,” “holy imam,” or “lord imam.” This is not simply an honorific title. It is recognition of his wisdom, piety, and influence.
Abu Bakr was born in Tashkent (“ash-Shoshiy” means “from Tashkent”) in 903 or 904. His nickname Kaffal — “locksmith” — was connected to his family’s craft of making locks. However, the young man chose not to continue the family trade and instead pursued knowledge. He first studied at a madrasa in Tashkent, then in Samarkand, Khorasan, and finally in Baghdad, the capital of the Arab Caliphate at the time.
Scholar, philosopher, and diplomat at the court of the caliphs
In Baghdad, Abu Bakr ash-Shoshiy spent a significant part of his life. He served at the court of the Abbasid caliphs and was known as Shoshiy al-Kabir — that is, the Great Tashkenter. There he distinguished himself as a diplomat, poet, theologian, philosopher, jurist, and an outstanding figure. His correspondence with the Byzantine emperor Nikephoros II testifies to his authority and international renown.
The return of Hazrati Imam to his native Tashkent
In his later years, Abu Bakr returned to his native city, which at that time was suffering from the invasions of the Turkic Karakhanids. According to some accounts, he entered into negotiations with them, persuaded them to renounce violence, and even to accept Islam. It was then that he began to be venerated as Hazrati Imam — a mediator between people and God, and the holy patron of Tashkent.
The Death of Hazrati Imam and His Mausoleum
Abu Bakr ash-Shoshiy died in 975 or 976 at the age of 73. A mausoleum was built over his grave.
The original structure as not survived: the current building was constructed in 1542 by the master Gulyam Husayn. Architecturally, it is an asymmetrical domed mausoleum-khanaka intended for pilgrims, who could stay in residential cells — hujras. Similar complexes in Central Asia often included a mosque and a room for cooking (oshkhona). In a small courtyard to the south of the mausoleum there are later burials (sagana).
Next to the mausoleum a house has survived where Khoja Ahrar — a well-known Sufi mentor and follower of Kaffal Shoshiy — once lived.
During the Soviet period the mausoleum was closed as part of the anti-religious policy, although believers continued to visit the shrine. In 1945, by a resolution of the Council of People’s Commissars of the Uzbek SSR, the mausoleum was transferred to the administration of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Central Asia and Kazakhstan (SADUM). From that moment it again became an official place of worship.
Architecture of the mausoleum
The building of the mausoleum has a square shape (13.3 × 12.5 m). Inside there is a spacious chamber (6 × 6 m) with an arched entrance and an additional dome. The main dome and two towers on the sides are made in a traditional style.
In the corners of the structure there are two- and three-storey hujras — small residential rooms for pilgrims. Above the entrance there is an inscription with the construction date, the name of the architect and the signature of the calligrapher.
The dome is covered with colored tiles, the walls are decorated with carved panels, and the burial chamber with mosaic. The graves are marked with tombstones. Later an entire architectural ensemble formed around the mausoleum — the Hazrati Imam complex, which today is the spiritual center of Tashkent.
The mausoleum, as well as the square bearing the name of Hazrati Imam, is visited daily by pilgrims and tourists.
Traveler’s recommendation
If you find yourself in Tashkent, be sure to visit Hazrati Imam Square and the mausoleum. It is easy to get there by car or taxi. You can also take the metro, but you will need to walk a short distance.