Commissioned by Mohammed Rakim Khan II (also known as Feruz) in 1870 for his brother, today's madrassah seems neglected and forgotten. However despite its appearance, it is used by the surrounding community more than any of the other madrassahs. Khiva's first post-revolutionary lawyer, Joseph Tashpulatov, amassed a wealth of books during his lifetime and created a lending library inside the madrassah during the 1920's. Later the Russians used the madrassah as an education centre, with Soviet ideology replacing Koranic study.
Today the madrassah contains over ten thousand books and documents which are borrowed by local residents. Access to this treasure trove is through an unassuming, decrepit cell door from the madrassah's inner court.
Today the madrassah contains over ten thousand books and documents which are borrowed by local residents. Access to this treasure trove is through an unassuming, decrepit cell door from the madrassah's inner court.
The madrassah is kept under lock and key. However,Tashpulatov's grand-daughter lives in the house next door (No.37) and if you ask nicely she may be willing to open it up for you (a thank-you gift would be well received).