The conventional list of Tashkent's patron saints traditionally begins with Al-Kaffal al-Shashi, a prominent figure of the first Islamic Renaissance. The tenth century was renowned for the extraordinary flourishing of science and art in the Muslim world, and our compatriot was an active participant in this flourishing. Al-Kaffal al-Shashi was renowned as a poet, philosopher, theologian, thinker, and scholar, one of the most enlightened figures of his time. Legend has it that he was also a master of castle-building.

For a thousand years, Tashkent residents have honored his memory and are proud that the thinker was born in Tashkent and returned here in his later years. A mausoleum was built over Al-Kaffal al-Shashi's grave on the banks of the Kalkauz irrigation ditch. Over the centuries, the city has been repeatedly devastated by earthquakes and wars, and the mausoleum has been rebuilt. The current structure was erected in 1541, during the reign of the Shaibanid dynasty, and reflects respect for the scholar's memory.

Gradually, a complex of buildings, including a mosque and madrassa, emerged around the mazar, becoming known as the Hazrati Imam complex, or Khast Imam for short. During the Soviet period, the mazar was closed, but the memory of the thinker lived on.

In 2007, the Hazrati Imam complex was completely reconstructed and became a major tourist attraction.