Registan

Samarkand, Uzbekistan

The heart of ancient Samarkand — a public square flanked by three monumental madrasas, widely regarded as one of the most magnificent architectural ensembles in the Islamic world.

Historical Context

The oldest structure, the Ulugh Beg Madrasa (1417–1420), was built by Timur's grandson, the astronomer-king Ulugh Beg. The Sher-Dor (1619–1636) and Tilla-Kari (1646–1660) madrasas were added during the Shaybanid period to complete the ensemble.