Registan | XVII Century

The first half of XVII century in the Samarkand’s history was connected with the activities of emir Yalangtush-biy Atalyk-Bohadur from the Uzbek town Alchyn. During his reign another two monumental buildings were constructed in Registan – Sher-Dor Madrasa and Tilla-Kori. These edifices are distinguished by imposing dimensions and luxurious finish. However in their artistic and architectural qualities they are inferior to their prototype – the Ulugbek Madrasa.
Sher-Dor Madrasa – “the abode of lions” was built 200 years after the Ulugbek Madrasa appeared on the square. It was constructed on the area, where the hanaka (the abode for sufis) had been situated in the times of Ulugbek. The construction works continued for almost 17 years (1619-1636). Its author was architect Abdul Jabbar. The Sher-Dor Madrasa almost mirrored the first building in the Ulugbek Madrasa ensemble, but in different proportions. All the walls in the Sher-Dor Madrasa are covered with citations from Koran. The central arch of the entrance portal bears a gammadion. The outer and yard facades are decorated with a touch of fantasy. The architectural decor includes facings of glazed bricks, mosaic sets and paintings with plenty of gilding. The mosaic panels of yard arches feature many climbing flowers, buds, forming a complex delicate ornament.
Unlike the external decor, the interior of cells is strict and ascetic. The room with smooth white walls was divided into three parts: the front one – for staying at home and studying, a small pantry for daily needs, and a mezzanine for sleeping.

• Samarkand | Outline
  • Registan – Heart of the Leopard City
  • Registan | Ulugbek Madrasa
  • Registan | Madrasa of the East
  • Registan | Saving the Minaret
  • Registan | XVII Century
  • Registan | Tilla-Kori