Uzbekistan's famous ancient city of Samarkand is not only one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, but also an important hub on the ancient Silk Road. Registan Square, located in the heart of Samarkand, is hailed as 'the noblest public square in the world'.
The history of Registan Square:
'Registan' means 'a place of sand' in Uzbek, and the square has been an important city location since ancient times. City rulers would gather people in the square to announce the Khan's orders, hold various celebrations, carry out executions, assemble troops for campaigns, and so on. No matter how the years have changed, Registan's status as the most important center of activity in Samarkand has never changed.
Standing on the square are three magnificent madrasahs, which are considered exemplars of medieval architecture. Inside are splendid mosques, giant arches, towering minarets, deep blue domes, intricate wall patterns, and imaginative shapes and colors...
The oldest madrasah: Ulughbek Madrasah
In 1409, Ulughbek, the grandson of Timur and a renowned mathematician and astronomer, ascended to the throne and in 1417 ordered the construction of the first madrasah on Registan Square—the Ulughbek Madrasah. The interior of the madrasah is exceptionally beautiful, with the main entrance and the colored dome decorated with colored ceramics, elegant and graceful. The pentagrams and decagrams at the top of the door symbolize the sky and astronomy.
At the time of its completion, the Ulughbek Madrasah became the largest scientific and educational base in Samarkand and one of the best Muslim institutions of the 15th century. Scholars could learn philosophy, astronomy, mathematics, and theology here.
The most magnificent madrasah: Sher-Dor Madrasah
In 1619, Yalangtush Bahadur took charge of Samarkand and ordered the construction of a new madrasah opposite the Ulughbek Madrasah. In 1636, after the second madrasah was completed, it was named Sher-Dor (meaning 'having tigers') Madrasah after the two golden tigers above the main entrance.
The most splendid madrasah: Tilla-Kori Madrasah
Ten years after the Sher-Dor Madrasah was built, Yalangtush Bahadur decided to build another new madrasah between the two existing ones. In 1646, construction began on the new madrasah to the north of Registan Square, and after 14 years of arduous construction, it was finally completed in 1660.
Entering this madrasah, you will surely be amazed by the golden patterns covering the dome of the mosque. Such a scale of gilding can look down upon all the famous buildings in Central Asia, showing the wealth of Samarkand at that time. Hence, this madrasah was named Tilla-Kori (meaning 'gilded') Madrasah.
The day I went to Iram was a rainy day; I lingered in the square all afternoon, encountered a sky full of red clouds in the evening, and when the lights came on, the entire square transformed into a crystal-clear, dazzling world. This is my own tale of a thousand and one nights!
I am Iram, a travel-loving photographer, taking you to explore fun and beautiful new ❤ places~
Aurora Harrington115