Description of the attraction
Madrasah Abdulkasim Sheikh is one of the historical monuments of Tashkent. This ancient university dates back to the 16th century. At first, it consisted of a number of buildings. In addition to the madrasah itself, the Abdulkasim Sheikh complex included a mosque and baths. Now only one structure remains of the vast ensemble. The original university building was one-story. The second floor was built in the second half of the 19th century. During the Soviet era, the building was not destroyed.
Until recently, the madrasah was located on a cozy, quiet street, far from the bustle of the city. Now this street has been turned into a noisy alley, since a building was erected next to the medieval university where the parliament of Uzbekistan sits.
In 2002, the upper part of the walls of the main hall was renovated. Restorers have restored a quatrain that adorned the interior, which says that the hair of the Prophet Muhammad was kept in the now demolished mosque at the Abdulkasim Sheikh Madrasah complex.
The building of the madrasah now belongs to the Art Academy of Tashkent. The halls, which previously held classes in mathematics, theology and other sciences, have now been transformed into workshops for artists. Here they are engaged in creativity and teach students the appointed artists of Uzbekistan, respected masters, laureates of various competitions. The inner courtyard of the madrasah is never empty. Students of the academy, tourists, local residents come here to look at another masterpiece, learn from painters, and maybe buy a work they like.
