Registan, Samarkand

The Registan of Samarkand is a quintessential symbol of the ancient city's rich history and a showcase of medieval Islamic architecture. This majestic public square, flanked by three ornate madrasahs (Islamic schools), is the heart of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Constructed between the 15th and 17th centuries, the Registan was the hub of the city's cultural and social life. The word "Registan" means "sandy place" or "desert" in Persian, and it was so named because the square was covered with sand to make it easier to clean after public executions or other events.

The ensemble of the three madrasahs – the Ulugh Beg Madrasah, the Sher-Dor Madrasah, and the Tilla-Kari Madrasah – create a harmonious architectural complex. Each building is an exquisite example of the era's craftsmanship, featuring intricate tile work, grandiose domes, and minarets that reach towards the sky.

The Ulugh Beg Madrasah, built by the Timurid ruler and astronomer Ulugh Beg in 1417-1420, is the oldest of the three. It was once a leading center for astronomical study, reflecting the period's scientific achievements.

The Sher-Dor Madrasah, constructed in 1619-1636 under the rule of the Shaybanid Dynasty, is immediately recognizable by its imposing façade that features a mosaic of a tiger-like creature chasing a deer – an unusual depiction given the Islamic prohibition on the representation of living beings.

Lastly, the Tilla-Kari Madrasah, completed in 1660, is adorned with gold leaf and showcases a lavish interior, including a mosque that is covered in stunning gold decoration, which gives the madrasah its name, meaning "covered with gold."

The Registan is not only a monument to the past but continues to be a vibrant center of cultural life in Samarkand. It hosts music and dance festivals, and its madrasahs serve as museums and artisan workshops, allowing visitors to experience the enduring legacy of this Silk Road crossroads.