Suzuk-ota complex

The Path from a Modest Youth to a Great Mentor

Hazrat Sheikh Mustafakul Khodja (Suzuk-Ota) was born in 1140 in the village of Korachik, Turkistan, and was the grandson of the founder of the Yassaviy order, Khodja Ahmad Yassaviy. Mustafakul was the youngest son of the only daughter of the philosopher Gavkhari Khushchosh, who was married to the noble Sheikh Ahmad al-Korachikiy. From childhood, the boy was not deprived of his grandfather's attention, Ahmad Yassaviy greeted him each time with the words: "Suzugim – my dark-eyed one, welcome!", which is why he earned the nickname Suzuk-Ota among the people.

Upon reaching adulthood, Ahmad al-Korachikiy sent his son to foreign lands to share his religious knowledge and learn to sustain himself by righteous means. The devout young man settles in a deserted area consisting of hills and rocks adjacent to the neighborhoods of Tashkent and begins to improve this territory. According to legend, while Mustafokul, a young man, found himself in an unfamiliar place, an old man asked for help in the field, promising payment and food in return. While the owner went home for food, the youth leaned over the plowed land overgrown with weeds, walked through the rows, and said, "Stay what you've sown, leave what's grown on its own!" All the weeds immediately came out of the ground and fell into the ditch. When the old man stepped out of the house and saw such a wonder, he exclaimed, “Oh God, forgive me and have mercy on me, I did not recognize you in the handsome youth!” – and began to kiss Mustafokul's shirt. The story of this situation quickly spread throughout the region. Pilgrims flocked to the young man to seek blessings and learn from his teachings. Thanks to his knowledge of Islamic science and philosophy, compassion, and leadership qualities, Mustafokul became an authoritative and respected leader in his neighborhood.

After improving the area, the sheikh decided to visit his hometown to reassure his parents and inform them of his exact place of residence. On his way back, he invited craftsmen, artisans, and Quran readers from his hometown, providing shelter and protection to all of them. In addition, he was ordered to start teaching the population sciences and crafts. Upon arrival, the craftsmen immediately began to build houses, a mosque, and a madrasa.

Admired for his intellect and knowledge not only within the neighborhood but beyond, teachers and students from distant regions came to the madrasa to discuss the most important religious questions. Thus, as the mentor of hundreds of students, Suzuk-Ota lived a rich and meaningful life, transforming the rocky terrain into a flourishing neighborhood. He passed away in 1217.

History of the Sacred Complex

The Suzuk-Ota complex is located in the Shaykhantakhur district of the city of Tashkent, near the Chorsu Bazaar. The construction of the Suzuk-Ota Mosque and mausoleum dates back to the time of Amir Timur. In 1363, during a campaign, Timur suddenly fell ill and stayed in Tashkent for six months for rehabilitation. After recovering, he ordered the construction of a mosque and madrasa in this area, as it was here that he received great spiritual nourishment. The mausoleum and mosque of Suzuk-Ota were built in 1364 and have been preserved to this day.

Unfortunately, in 1936, under the leadership of the Bolsheviks, the mosque and mausoleum were closed and turned into a metalworking enterprise. Offices of the enterprise and a warehouse were built on the premises. Traces of fuel oil and coal, used for heating the production, covered all the walls of the premises. Acidic waste was dumped into the ditch, and the production noise filled the neighborhood day and night, testing the patience of the residents. By 1989, thanks to continuous complaints and appeals from the locals, the production was stopped.

From 1990, restoration work began on the mosque and mausoleum after the oppressive activity of the factory. Terraces, a northern living room, a large ablution room, a room for staff, a library, and a security area were restored over a long period. In 1996, during the religious Muslim holiday of Hayit, a solemn sermon was delivered in the mosque. In the same year, the activities of the mosque were officially registered by the authorities and handed over to the faithfuls.

Craftsmanship Center

The neighborhood society, for many centuries, passing on their skills and knowledge from generation to generation, continues the work of their ancestors. These craftsmen, with their good work and talent, provide for their families and contribute to the preservation of the ancient crafts.

The great preacher of all madrasa students – Suzuk-Ota, in addition to religious teaching, insisted on mastering some worldly profession. This obligation was a guarantee of their future prosperous family life since craftsmanship could bring good income. Many craftsmen living in the neighborhood later lived and worked in many other cities, and this neighborhood became the first and most famous craftsmen's area. The descendants of those same masters still live in this place and continue the craft of their ancestors.

Local women also had their professions and were skilled in domestic crafts such as weaving, embroidery, and carpet making. In addition, local women from ancient times prepared all the dowry for their daughters by themselves and taught them their craft.

In 2017, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, visited the Suzuk neighborhood and gave instructions for the reconstruction of the mausoleum and mosque, as well as the improvement of the adjacent territory. Restoration work on the historical structure aimed to unite the mosque and mausoleum into a single memorial-religious complex. The surrounding area of the complex was carefully cleaned, and a parking lot was built. In 2019, all work was completed, including the construction of 34 two-story houses for craftsmen located around the memorial complex. Skillful craftsmen continue to work on the territory of the complex to this day, passing on their knowledge, secrets, and nuances of the craft to the next generation.

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