Registan

Registan is the historic public square at the heart of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, flanked by three monumental madrasahs built in the Timurid and later periods. It served as the city’s ceremonial center and is one of Central Asia’s most recognizable ensembles of Islamic architecture.

The square is bordered by the Ulugh Beg Madrasah (15th century) to the north, the Sher-Dor Madrasah (17th century) to the east and the Tilya-Kori Madrasah (17th century) to the south; together they present large tiled facades, high pishtaq portals and monumental domes. Visitors come to study the glazed tile mosaics, intricate geometric and calligraphic decoration, and to view the balance of scale between the three buildings across the paved plaza.

The northern madrasah was founded by the Timurid ruler Ulugh Beg in the early 15th century as a centre of learning; the two southern madrasahs were added in the 17th century as the complex grew into the city’s principal ceremonial square. Over time the site has been a locus for public events, religious education and architectural patronage.

Registan sits in central Samarkand, within walking distance of other Timurid monuments and the historic city core, and is reachable by road from Samarkand’s main transport hubs.

• Best photographic time: The three monumental madrasahs frame a large central square that has been a ceremonial focal point of Samarkand for centuries and is best seen in the early morning or late afternoon for photography.
• Architectural periods: The complex combines 15th century Timurid architecture with 17th century reconstructions; the Madrasahs' facades are richly tiled and restored in parts.

What to See #

• Ulugh Beg Madrasah: Ulugh Beg Madrasah - the northern madrasah of the square dating to the 15th century, noted for its tilework and astronomy-related patronage.
• Sher-Dor Madrasah: Sher-Dor Madrasah - the eastern madrasah built in the 17th century featuring decorative tiger mosaics on its facade.
• Tilya-Kori Madrasah: Tilya-Kori Madrasah - the southern madrasah from the 17th century that also served as a grand congregational mosque with gilded interior decoration.