“Ulugh Beg Madrasah: The 15th-Century Architectural Marvel of Registan Square with 50 Study Rooms”

The Ulugh Beg Madrasah (Uzbek: Ulugʻbek madrasasi) is a 15th-century Islamic spiritual, educational, and cultural monument located in the heart of Samarkand. As the oldest structure in the iconic Registan Square ensemble, this madrasah stands as a testament to the vision of Ulugh Beg, a Timurid ruler and renowned astronomer. Together with the Sherdor and Tillya-Kari madrasahs, it forms one of the most celebrated architectural complexes of the medieval Islamic world. In recognition of its historical and cultural significance, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2001, alongside other treasures of Samarkand.

The History of Ulugh Beg Madrasah: A Timeless Testament to Knowledge

Since the time of Amir Timur, Registan Square has been the central marketplace and social hub of medieval Samarkand. Bustling with activity, it featured numerous shops, caravanserais, and covered bazaars, the largest of which was the Tilpak-Furushon Bazaar. During the reign of Timur’s grandson, Ulugh Beg, the square underwent a transformation, with Ulugh Beg spearheading the construction of a grand Islamic university that would redefine the square’s identity.

Construction and Architectural Brilliance

The exact start date of the Ulugh Beg Madrasah’s construction remains unknown, but a portal inscription indicates the year 820 AH (1417 CE), suggesting the building was already underway. Historical analysis estimates construction began around 1415 and concluded by 1420. The design is attributed to Qavam al-Din Shirazi, a Persian court architect of Emir Shah Rukh. However, medieval historian Vasifi credits Kamal al-Din Muhandis, a disciple of Qazizada al-Rumi, as the architect.

The madrasah featured a four-iwan layout with a central courtyard surrounded by two-story hujras (student cells). At the corners of the structure stood domed classrooms, complemented by towering minarets at each corner. The east-facing facade boasted a majestic portal adorned with geometric mosaics and inscriptions, embodying the architectural sophistication of the Timurid era.

A Hub of Learning

Upon its completion, Ulugh Beg Madrasah quickly gained prestige as one of the most respected universities in the Muslim world during the 15th century. It attracted scholars and students from across the Islamic realm. Renowned poet, philosopher, and scientist Abd al-Rahman Jami is believed to have studied here, alongside influential figures like Khwaja Ahrar and Alisher Navoi.

The curriculum was comprehensive, offering courses in mathematics, geometry, logic, natural sciences, and theology. Esteemed scholars such as Qazizada al-Rumi, Jamshid al-Kashi, and al-Kushchi lectured here, alongside Ulugh Beg himself. The first rector was Maulana Muhammad Khawafi, a dervish of humble origins with profound knowledge.

Decline and Restoration

In 1533, under Uzbek Khan Ubaydullah, Samarkand lost its status as a capital, leading to a gradual decline. However, the madrasah remained a leading educational institution. During the rule of Yalangtush Bahadur, significant renovations preserved the madrasah’s grandeur, inspiring the construction of the Sherdor Madrasah. Unfortunately, the structure suffered during feudal conflicts, with one ruler even ordering the second floor’s removal for fear of it being used against his fortress.

The 19th century brought further devastation, with earthquakes in 1817–1818 and 1897 reducing the madrasah to ruins. French writer Jules Verne described it as “beautiful ruins” with leaning minarets that seemed on the verge of collapse but miraculously stood firm.

Modern Restoration Efforts

Restoration began under Emir Haydar and gained momentum in the 1920s during Soviet rule. In 1932, a groundbreaking project straightened the northeast minaret, a feat led by architects V.G. Shukhov and M.F. Mauer. Major restoration work in the 1950s and 1960s involved lowering the ground level, reconstructing the portal, and restoring decorative elements. The southeast minaret was also straightened and restored.

In the 1990s, Uzbekistan’s independence brought renewed efforts to preserve and celebrate this heritage. Restoration in 1992 marked the anniversary of Ulugh Beg’s birth, focusing on reconstructing the second floor, repairing ceramics, and replacing deteriorating elements.

Architecture of Ulugh Beg Madrasah: A Testament to Timurid Elegance

The Ulugh Beg Madrasah, a quintessential example of 15th-century Islamic architecture, reflects the sophistication and precision of its era. Constructed as a spiritual and educational institution, it embodies the architectural principles and artistry of medieval Central Asia and the Near East.

Structure and Dimensions

The madrasah is a rectangular structure measuring 81 by 56 meters, with its grand eastern facade oriented toward Registan Square. The focal point of the facade is a monumental entrance portal, or peshtak. The portal houses three entrances, with the central arch—enclosed by a large pointed arch—featuring an intricate lattice screen (panjara). The other two entrances are adorned with smaller pointed arches, above which lie balconies opening into hujras (student cells).

At each corner of the building once stood four minarets, each rising to a height of 33 meters. Of these, only the eastern minarets remain fully intact. Inside, spacious domed classrooms (darskhana) were located at the corners of the building. The central courtyard, a four-iwan layout measuring 30 by 30 meters, is paved with large stone slabs and surrounded by two-story rows of single and double-room hujras. The iwans, aligned with the axes of the building, are framed by decorative portals. The northern and southern iwans, originally used as summer classrooms, feature solid walls, while the western iwan leads to the winter mosque, occupying the central portion of the western wing.

Decorative Elements

The decoration of the madrasah represents the pinnacle of Timurid artistry. A variety of materials were used, including glazed bricks, carved mosaic tiles (kashin), majolica, and marble. The color palette combines white, blue, turquoise, and manganese-black tiles, arranged to create intricate geometric, floral, and epigraphic patterns.

The grandeur of the main portal is particularly striking. Mosaic stars on its tympanum evoke the celestial heavens, while the pilasters are adorned with geometric patterns in mosaic panels. The hujra arches and their tympana are similarly decorated with multi-colored kashin mosaics. The combination of architectural brilliance and artistic finesse places Ulugh Beg Madrasah among the masterpieces of medieval Islamic architecture.

Preservation and 600th Anniversary

Despite its architectural resilience, the madrasah faced significant damage over centuries due to natural disasters and political upheaval. In July 2020, the 600th anniversary of its founding was commemorated through an international conference organized by Samarkand State University in collaboration with Kazan Federal University in Russia. However, the event lacked support from Uzbekistan’s capital institutions, including the National University of Uzbekistan, named after Mirzo Ulugh Beg.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 2001, the Ulugh Beg Madrasah, along with the entire Registan ensemble, was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This designation underscores its importance as a cultural and historical landmark, not only for Uzbekistan but for the world. The madrasah remains a focal point of tourism, scholarship, and cultural pride, attracting visitors who marvel at its timeless elegance and the rich history it represents.

The Ulugh Beg Madrasah is not just a monument to the past—it is a symbol of the enduring power of knowledge, culture, and architectural innovation. Its legacy continues to inspire admiration, reminding us of the remarkable achievements of the Timurid era and the lasting impact of one ruler’s dedication to enlightenment.