Registan

Registan is a town square in Samarkand. As the word suggests, its a sandy place with three unique madrasahs. The remarkable architectural pattern of this place makes it a prime attraction of Uzbekistan.

Registan is usually called the heart of Samarkand, still retaining its original splendor. The three magnificent constructions of this place ranks first in Central Asia in terms of Islamic world of heritage.

In spite of all the weather disturbances the architectural and decorative monuments on show remains unperturbed.

The 3 madrasahs of the Registan in Uzbekistan are:

Ulugbek Madrasah (1417-1420) stands to the left of Tilla-Kari Madrassa.

The architecture of this mosque resembles that of the Gothics. The lovely arch facing the square, the corners mounted by the high well-balanced minarets give a royal look to the madrasah. Mosaic designs and geometrical stylized ornaments decorate the entrance arch. The courtyard includes a mosque, lecture rooms with dormitory cells for the residential students. It was one of the best clergy universities where Ulugbek himself gave lectures specially on secular science.
• The Sher-Dor Madrasah (1619-1636) stands to the right of Tilla-Kari Madrassa. The name means Tigers. This monument was designed by architect Abdujabor. The symmetry of large and small rooms with exquisite mosaic carvings make this monument as one of the best architectural creations in Samarkand.
• The Tilya-Kori Madrasah (1646-1660) stands in the center. The name of this mosque means "Gilded". Primarily it was a training center for students, but also it played the vital role of grand mosque. It is a two-storied construction, vast courtyard surrounded by dormitory cells and four galleries along blocks. The main hall of the mosque is magnificently gilded.

The Samarkand Registan should not be missed since such an instance is rare, when three structures built at different times stand beside each other with different patterns of architecture. The history of Uzbekistan is deep rooted in this region.