Shaikh Hovendi at-Tahur, a revered figure in the Sufi tradition, was born in the 13th century into the esteemed Kureysh tribe, which traces its lineage back to Prophet Mohammed. His father, Sheikh Omar, was a direct descendant of the second caliph, Omar ibn al-Khattab, bestowing upon the family the honorable title of Khoja.
Sheikh Omar himself was a dedicated Sufi and a disciple of the dervish Khasan Bulgari. His mission to spread Islam led him to Tashkent, and eventually, his family settled in the mountainous area of Bogiston, close to the Charvak reservoir. It was in this serene setting that Shaikh Hovendi at-Tahur, also known as Shaikhantahur, was born.
Shaikh Hovendi at-Tahur embraced his Sufi heritage wholeheartedly, receiving his ordination among the dervishes of the city of Yassawi. This was a place where the teachings of the renowned Sufi Shaikh Khoja Ahmad Yassawi, the founder of his order, were widespread. It is said that Shaikh Hovendi was profoundly influenced by a statement from one of the Turkestan hazrats, which emphasized that a Sufi’s spiritual depth and scholarly knowledge should be matched by their tolerance and gentleness towards the uncouth.
After extensive travels across Mawerannahr, Shaikhantaur returned to his homeland. In Tashkent, he became known as a sage, imparting wisdom and teachings that left a lasting impression on the people. His death, which occurred sometime between 1355 and 1360, marked the beginning of the history of the grand mausoleum and mosque complex named Shaikhantaur. The mausoleum at his tomb was constructed by the order of Amir Timur, who held the site in high regard and visited it frequently. Shaikh Hovendi at-Tahur is also credited as one of the founders of the influential Sufi Naqshbandiya Order.
The legacy of Shaikh Hovendi at-Tahur continued through his descendants. His grandson, Ubaidulla Khoja Ahrar, a notable figure during the Timurid era, was responsible for building the main Friday mosque in Tashkent. The lineage of Shaikh Hovendi at-Tahur is still present in Tashkent today, with distant relatives upholding the family’s esteemed heritage.
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