Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Coordinates: 39.654700, 66.974700
The Ulugh Beg Madrasa is a religious educational institution in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
It was built by Ulugh Beg during the Timurid dynasty at the Registan in the heart of the ancient city of Samarkand.
The construction lasted only three years from 1417 to 1420. When it was constructed, he gave lectures on mathematics and astronomy until his death. Ulugbek is one of the oldest structures on the Registan Square.
The madrasa was built from 1417 to 1420. The building is crowned by an azure fluted dome.
The exterior decoration of the walls consists of blue, light-blue, and white tiles organized into geometrical and epigraphic ornaments against a background of terracotta bricks.
All the patterns are designed in a Greek style. The dome has a bright blue color with deep rosettes and white spots. The central hall is illuminated with the help of stained windows.
There are many old tombs concealed within the madrasa.
Behind the madrasa building is the “Chorsu Hovli” mausoleum.
Just east of the main building is situated a mosque built especially for Ulugh Beg.
Reflecting Khan Ulugbek’s interest in astronomy, the facade of this madrasah (built 1420) has a design suggestive of stars. It’s the oldest of the three madrasahs in the Registan, and the one on the Western side.
