Registan Square

Registan Square is located in the Uzbek city of Samarkand. The word registan in Middle Eastern cities was usually used to refer to the central squares of the city. Samarkand Square is known for its unique ensemble, one of the most beautiful examples of Islamic architecture. In the center of this complex are three madrasahs dating back to the XV–XVII centuries, beautiful monuments of oriental architecture. The architectural ensemble is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The word "registan" in Uzbek consists of two words: "reg" — sand and "stan" — place. When they are added together, the translation is obtained: "a place covered with sand."

There are versions that sand was poured onto the square to soak up blood after public executions held on the square. There are also suggestions that Tamerlane placed the heads of his enemies on bayonets here for intimidation and edification. In addition, residents came to the square to listen to the emir's decrees. The square was also an important point on the Great Silk Road.

The history of Registan Square

One of the oldest Muslim educational institutions in Central Asia is the Ulugbek Madrasah. Work on its construction was carried out for several years from 1417 to 1420. The madrasah was erected on the square by order of Tamerlane's ruling grandson, Mirzo Ulugbek, an outstanding scientist and poet who paid special attention to astronomy. The establishment of the educational institution served the glory of Samarkand as a center of science in the medieval East. Four vaulted rooms were built in the madrasah, surrounded by walls on three sides and open on the fourth side. There were lecture halls on the ground floor of the building, and recreation rooms on the second floor. Niches leading to the cells for students are installed around the perimeter of the square courtyard. The premises could accommodate more than 100 students. A mosque has been built at the back of the courtyard, and minarets are located in the corners of the building. Above the pointed arch of the eastern portal is an ornamental mosaic panel made of multicolored bricks and ceramics.

Tourists can climb the minaret of the Ulugbek Madrasah, which offers a good view of the square from above.

Lectures at the madrasa, which occupied one of the first positions among the theological educational institutions in the Muslim East in the XV century, were given by famous scientists, including the ruler Ulugbek himself. The students studied mathematics, geometry, logic, natural sciences, theology, and the teachings of man and the universal soul.

The Ulugbek madrasah occupied the western part of the square, and a few years later the khanaka (monastery) of Ulugbek was built on the opposite side. A public place, a caravanserai, was erected in the north of the square, which served as a recreation area for traveling and trading caravans. By the beginning of the 17th century, the last two structures were abandoned and heavily destroyed, so new buildings were erected here.

The Sherdor madrasah ("abode of lions") was built where the khanaka was. The remaining remains of Ulugbek's former residence served as the building material. The name Sherdor is due to the fact that the main portal depicts leopards — the coat of arms of Samarkand. In addition to wild cats, here you can see one of the most ancient symbols of many peoples — the swastika in large size. The height of the minarets at the main facade is 31 meters. The construction was carried out for 17 years until 1636. The Sherdor madrasah, like a reflection in a mirror, repeats the Ulugbek madrasah, but it has a disproportionately large dome and has less sophistication than the madrasah opposite. It is believed that it was precisely because of the violation of proportions that the dome began to collapse, several years after the construction was completed. Expressions from the Koran are written on the walls of the building. Inside and outside, the decorations and decor are made of glazed bricks, mosaics and painted with gold. The decoration of the building was carried out by master Muhammad Abbas.

In 1646, the Tillya-Kari madrasah decorated Registan Square, which appeared on the site where the caravanserai had previously been. The decor of the madrasah is rich in gilding, and the name "decorated with gold" is connected with this. Gilding is also used in the kundal wall painting technique used in the interior with floral ornaments. Other decorative techniques were also used: mosaic and majolica with floral and geometric ornaments. Wings with two tiers are located on the sides of the central portal, they have niches in the form of arches and towers in the corners. A domed mosque has been built in the western part of the courtyard. As a result of the earthquake, part of the Tillya-Kari madrasah, including the main dome, was severely damaged.

Tillya-Kari Madrasah stands in the center of the square, flanked by two previously built madrasahs. The structures were built at different times, each madrasah is distinguished by its characteristic decorations, and together they create a unique ensemble.

At the beginning of the XVI century, a funerary structure was created in Samarkand, which had the shape of a rectangular prism, this is a family tomb — the dakhma of the Sheibanid family (in some sources it is called a mausoleum). In the 19th century, this pile of tombstones was moved to the Registan Square.

At the beginning of the 18th century, the city was in crisis after Samarkand ceased to be the capital of the khanate, and Bukhara became the main city. During this period, the city lost its place in the Great Silk Road. In the middle of the 19th century, various activities resumed on the square. The restoration of the madrasah was carried out in the 20th century: it began during the Soviet Union, and ended already during the years of independence of Uzbekistan. During the work, ancient Uzbek traditions were observed, as well as studies of the architecture and history of the square were organized.

Large-scale events and celebrations are currently taking place on the square. The Chorsu shopping dome, built on the square back in the 15th century, houses a gallery with works by local artists and sculptors, and in the Middle Ages there was a large market.

There are shops with products made by local craftsmen for tourists. Entrance to the square is paid, for foreign tourists it costs from 65,000 to 80,000 soums, for local prices it is much lower. Tickets must be purchased at the ticket office near the main entrance, and not from security guards who approach tourists. Guided tours are also offered at the entrance, which tell the story of the square and guide you through the best souvenir shops. According to some travelers, the square is becoming like a large souvenir market due to the large number of vendors.