Uzbekistan
The Registan
Welcome to Samarkand, Uzbekistan! The Registan is a grand square framed by three enormous, tile-covered buildings that once buzzed with students on the Silk Road.
Why is it famous?
It is considered one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture from Central Asia's golden age.
The square is surrounded by three madrasahs, ancient schools covered in dazzling blue mosaic tiles.
How was it built?
The oldest madrasah was built between 1417 and 1420 by the ruler Ulugh Beg, who was also a famous astronomer.
Craftsmen covered the towers and domes with intricate tilework in blues, greens, and gold, a technique that took great skill to master.
Amazing facts
The Sherdar Madrasah is decorated with mosaic tigers and a rising sun, unusual because Islamic art rarely shows animals.
Ulugh Beg himself is said to have taught mathematics and astronomy classes at his madrasah.
Quick facts
- The Sherdar Madrasah is decorated with mosaic tigers and a rising sun, unusual because Islamic art rarely shows animals.
- Ulugh Beg himself is said to have taught mathematics and astronomy classes at his madrasah.
- The Tilya-Kori Madrasah has a hall so covered in gold decoration that its name means "gilded."
- For centuries, this square sat at the crossroads of the Silk Road, where traders from Europe and Asia passed through.