Registan square

Samarkand can not be imagined without Registan square, like Egypt without pyramids. This square was a trading center during Amir Timur ruling and became a main square of the city under his grand son Mirzo Ulugbek. The square is composed by monumental constructions built in different centuries. They are Ulugbek’s Madras (1417-1420), Sher Dor Madras (1619- 1636) and Tillya Kari (1647-1660).

Ulugbek’s madras

One of the monumental madras in Central Asia was built by order of Mirzo Ulugbek, great scientist, astronomer and mathematician. Madras has a 50 meters high portal which leads to the courtyard. The winter mosque is in the front of entrance arch, in the courtyard. The courtyard is fringed by two-storied cells. The entrance portal is decorated with stylized starry heaven. The lower panel of madras is faced with marble tiles with geometric patterns. Walls of the entrance arch are decorated with majolica and mosaic panels with epigraphic symbols and flowering. Over hundred pupils studied here religious and secular sciences. Famous scientists and Ulugbek by himself shared their knowledge with gifted students.

Madras was in ruins till XX century. Restoration works has been done since 30th to 90th of XX century. Architects restored the entrance arch, minarets and newly built the second floor with cells. Restoration was continued during the Independence period and Ulugbek’s madras appeared in its solemnity.

Sher-Dor Madras

On the opposite side from Ulugbek’s Madras rises a Sher-Dor. Its area is 70 х 57 meters. At first site, these two Madras look similar, but looking narrowly the difference is evident. Entrance portal is flanked by two minarets and ribbed domes, which are shining with blueness under the sun. Quite interesting is an image on the entrance arch, which represents a tiger, which is following a deer against the sun with human face. Thus the Madras’s name originated – Sher Dor – “Having Tigers”. External decoration also delights with its variety of shapes and ornaments. Even the most sophisticated guest got inspired from the magnificent facing. There were 54 khudjras- kel’yas (cells) in the Madras.

Restoration was started in 1924. The arch was restored in 1962, and other repair works took place in 70-90 of XX century.

Tillya-Kori Madras

Tillya Kary madras completes the square in the north.  This building was designed as mosque, but was built in madras style to create a harmonious picture.  Its area is 75х75 meters. The main façade has an entrance arch, flanked by two-stage khudjra- cells and corner towers- guldasta.

In the western side of the courtyard, there is a dome mosque with two galleries supported by columns. The Madras surface is covered with splendid painting- “kundal”:  with gold on the papier-mache relief. This decoration explains the Madras name – Tillya Kori- “Gilded”. The mihrab niche is rich with ornaments.

Big restoration works were held in Madras. A monumental dome and arch decoration were newly restored. Painters- restorers have reconstructed the ancient fresco- “kundal”.