Category Archives: Travel

Namazgoh Mosque and the Tashkent Islamic Institute

Namazgoh Mosque, together with the Tashkent Islamic Institute of which it is a part, is located on Hazrati Imam (Holy Imam) Square in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. History of Namazgoh Mosque Namazgoh Mosque was built much later than the structures erected in the 16th century, such as the Muyi Muborak Madrasah, Barak-Khan Madrasah, and

Where does the phrase “either the donkey will die, or the ruler will pass away” come from: Khoja Nasreddin in Bukhara

It is still unknown whether Khoja Nasreddin actually existed. However, if he did live, it would have been in the 13th century and most likely in Turkey (those who disagree are welcome to share their versions in the comments, including the idea that he was from Bukhara). The unproven historical reality of this folklore character

Norway through a journalist’s eyes: Lillehammer and Oslo

I have been to Norway twice – the last time in Oslo, and the first time I mostly stayed in Lillehammer, the very city where the 1994 Winter Olympics took place. Sports facilities in Lillehammer Both times I visited Norway were in the late 2000s, about fifteen years after the Olympics had ended, but of

Qur’an of Uthman in the Tashkent Museum: Muyi Muborak and Khast-Imam (updated in 2026)

The Qur’an Museum in Tashkent is one of the most significant Islamic sites in Uzbekistan. It houses the legendary Qur’an of Uthman, also known as the world’s first Qur’an. This 7th-century manuscript is kept in the Muyi Muborak madrasah, located within the Khast-Imam complex, and attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists. Many ask where the