Registan Square, Samarkand
 Registan Square |
Any tour of Uzbekistan must include Registan Square, which was for many centuries the heart of Samarkand. The word "registan" means "a sandy place", and is derived from the sand left behind after a river running through the region had dried up. After the building of the first Madrasah on the square in the fifteenth century, it became the place where holidays were celebrated. This also became the location for festivals, parades and Sunday bazaars. Registan Square is an ensemble of three buildings: the Ulug-Bek Madrasah built in the fifteenth century; the Tillya-Kori Madrasah built in the seventeenth century; the Sher-Dor Madrasah, also built in the seventeenth century. Generally only the sons of wealthy families studied there, and they came from all over Central Asia. Training could last between ten and twenty years. The only subject students were required to take was learning the Koran; all other subjects were optional and could be selected by the students according to their interests. The Ulug-Bek Madrasah was built by order and under the guidance of Ulegbek, the peaceful ruler and grandson of Tamerlane. Up to the time of his death Ulug-Bek himself gave lectures there on astronomy and mathematics. Over the entranceway arch is a mosaic panel decorated with stylized geometric forms. Extending above the roof are several tall well-proportioned minarets. In keeping with his amazing knowledge of astronomy, the Ulug-Bek Madrasah is covered in star design. At one time, during the fifteenth century, the Ulug-Bek Madrasah was one of the best universities for clergy in the Moslem Orient, drawing students from throughout the wealthy families of Central Asia. It is a fantastic example of the "golden age" of Samarkand architecture.
 Decorations of Tilya Kori Madrasah |
Architecture and ornamets of Registan's Madrasahs
Constructed in the seventeenth century by order of ruler Yalangtush Bakhodur, the Sher-Dor Madrasah and Tillya-Kori Madrasah are not quite as elaborate as the Ulug-Bek. Still, the mosaic ornamentation is exquisite. And, like the Ulug-Bek Madrasah, these two buildings harmoniously blend with the environment, and are shining examples of ancient architecture in Central Asia.
The Tillya-Kori Madrasah has abundant gilding in the main entrance foyer. In fact, "Tillya-Kori" means adorned with gold. It served not only as a learning center but also as a grand mosque, evidenced by the lower minarets, used for calling the faithful to prayer.
The Sher-Dor, meaning "lion-bearing" Madrasah is unique in that it depicts a pair of lions chasing a pair of gazelles. In the Islamic world the depiction of living things is forbidden, as all creation must be reserved to God. It may be that the Sher-Dor Madrasah depicts animals as a reflection of the Greek influence from earlier invading cultures.
Why travel to Samarkand
At one time Samarkand was referred to throughout Central Asia by many descriptive names of reverence and awe. Poets, historians, and geographers have called Samarkand: "Eden of the Ancient East", "Precious Pearl of Islam", "Rome of the East" and "The Gem of the East". Today the three Madrasahs that comprise Registan Square serve primarily as monuments. Together they create a majestic, magnificent spectacle, intriguing travelers who visit the region of Uzbekistan and tour the ancient city of Samarkand.
Pictures of Registan
 Sher Dor Madrasah |
 Tourists in Registan |
 Spiral Stairs inside minaret of Ulug-Bek Madrasah |
 Decorative lattice in Madrasah of Registan |
List of other historical monuments of Samarkand
Bibi-Khanym Mosque
Shakhi-Zinda Mausoleums
Gur-e Amir Mausoleum
Ulugbek's observatory
Afrasiab museum
