Kukeldash Madrasah in Bukhara

One of the most famous sights of Bukhara, the Kukeldash Madrasah, is comfortably located near the Lyabi-hauz architectural complex. This educational institution was built in the period from 1568 to 1569. This is the largest Bukhara madrasah in size, as well as one of the largest similar educational institutions in Central Asia.
The name "Kukeldash" is very common. There is a madrasah of the same name in Tashkent. The name means "Sunny friend" or "Foster Brother".

The Kukeldash madrasah has a completely non-standard architectural form and decoration for that time. During this period, most of the educational institutions in Bukhara were built schematically, according to one model. These were majestic buildings with a gorgeous entrance group, tightly enclosed on all sides by huge walls. This tradition was not observed during the construction of the Kukeldash. The walls around the building are not completely deaf, they are dotted around the perimeter with numerous niches and balconies with gantry decorations. In total, 160 cells are located on two floors and in the courtyard of the building.

Kukeldash is of great importance for modern history also because for quite a long time one of the most famous writers of Central Asia, Sadriddin Aini, lived and created his great works in one of the local cells. He died in the middle of the 20th century, but his work is immortal. He left a huge number of talented literary masterpieces to his descendants, and today the writer's name is immortalized in the walls of the Kukeldash madrasah — a small memorial was created inside the building and some of Sadriddin Aini's personal belongings and even some of his handwritten texts were put on public display.

History

The construction of the madrasa occurred during the reign of Abdullahan II. This large-scale construction project was financed by Emir Kulbab. This emir, being in his state post, found several heads of state at once, but managed to gain the respect and approval of each of them. Such wisdom and diplomacy allowed Kulbab to be awarded one of the most honorable titles — the title of Kukeldasha. And then a madrasa was named after him.

There are suggestions that the Kukeldash madrasah is one of the components of the Lyabi—hauz ensemble, but this statement is fundamentally wrong. Archaeology experts, having carefully studied all the buildings, concluded that the Kukeldash is an independent building.

The kukeldash did not always perform the functions of a madrasa. Over time, its purpose has changed periodically. There was a moment in the history of the building when it was used as a caravanserai. The construction of the madrasah was carried out by the most renowned and talented craftsmen of that time. Gantry arches are intricately intertwined and together create stunning decorative arches. The gates to the educational institution are decorated with mosaics, which were assembled without adhesives or nails. The main entrance group is lined with geometric ornaments.

The madrasah has experienced many events, including a devastating earthquake. The elements then thoroughly destroyed the portal in front of the building, which was then simply fastened with metal brackets.

During the reign of Beckler-beck, the upper floor of the building and the stunning sky-blue domes were dismantled brick by brick. Nevertheless, to this day, the madrasah has retained its attractiveness thanks to talented craftsmen who voluntarily initiated its reconstruction.

The madrasah is still being reconstructed today. Large-scale restoration and alteration works are planned, after which the renovated architectural monument will appear before tourists and residents of the city in all its glory.