Mir-i-Arab Madrasa — Attraction in Bukhara City

In the world-famous Bukhara, there is another educational center that has its place in the Islamic world. It speaks of centuries...

It was during Ubaidullah Khan's time that Bukhara flourished and the city acquired its own architectural style. In 1514, the Kalam Jame Mosque was restored, it was built during the reign of Karakhani Arslan Khan (1102-1130), until 1404, one of the largest in Movarunnahr, Bibi Khanim Mosque, built by Temur's grandson in Samarkand, was completed by Ulugbek. By order of Ubaidullah Khan, the front part of the mosque was decorated with a large pediment and a new mihrab was installed.

The Miri Arab Madrasa is a part of the Poyi-Kalon architectural ensemble, which today includes the Kalon Mosque and Tower and the Amir Olim Khan Madrasah. The front part of the madrasah faces the Kalon tower. The entrance to the madrasa is decorated with a grand and deeply decorated porch, with huge minarets in front of it.If you enter through the central entrance on the right, you can see the marble tomb of Sheikh Abdullah al-Yamani and the burial place of Ubaidullah Khan. The buildings are protected by two domes covered with blue tiles. In the courtyard, there are classrooms, rooms, and summer classrooms are made in the form of small verandas. The courtyard is surrounded by a two-story gallery, suitable for students. There are 111 cells. Summer auditoriums are prepared in the form of small verandas.

Mir Arab madrasah has always been considered a center of Islamic spiritual education; well-known spiritual figures and muftis of the entire Islamic world studied in its walls. The activity of the madrasa was stopped in 1920 when the Bukhara Emirate was captured by the Bolsheviks.

After the Second World War, the Soviet government changed its attitude towards religion and gradually started to open spiritual institutions. appointed. With the efforts of the sheikh, the Miri Arab Madrasa was restored in 1945 and received the status of an educational institution.

Famous spiritual and political leaders, muftis and even the leaders of some countries were graduates of the Mir Arab Madrasa at...

🕌 Mir-i-Arab Madrasa – A Living Legacy of Islamic Education in Bukhara 📍 Location: Opposite Kalyan Mosque, Po-i-Kalyan Complex, Bukhara, Uzbekistan 📅 Built: Circa 1535–1536 🔨 Commissioned by: Sheikh Abdullah Yamani of Yemen (Mir-i-Arab), financed by Ubaydullah Khan of the Shaybanid Dynasty

✨ Overview: The Mir-i-Arab Madrasa is one of Central Asia’s most revered Islamic institutions, renowned for its architectural grandeur, historical significance, and continuous use as a religious school for nearly 500 years.

🌟 Key Highlights: Architectural Masterpiece This iconic madrasa showcases stunning blue-tiled domes, intricate mosaic work, and a symmetrical facade typical of Timurid and Shaybanid-era design. The central portal is adorned with majestic calligraphy and glazed ceramic art.

A Symbol of Revival Built during the rule of Ubaydullah Khan, the madrasa marked a cultural and religious renaissance in Bukhara following the Mongol invasions. It was established to promote Islamic learning and Sufism.

Still Active Today Mir-i-Arab remains a functioning madrasa, training young men in Islamic theology, Arabic, and Qur’anic studies. It was one of the few Islamic institutions allowed to operate during the Soviet era, making it a symbol of religious resilience.

Name Origin “Mir-i-Arab” means “Prince of the Arabs”, referring to Sheikh Abdullah Yamani, a revered Yemeni scholar who became spiritual advisor to Ubaydullah Khan and is buried in the madrasa.

🧭 What You’ll See: The two blue domes: one crowns the prayer hall, the other the burial chamber of Mir-i-Arab and Ubaydullah Khan.

A vast central courtyard surrounded by two stories of hujras (student rooms).

Beautiful mosaic tilework depicting floral and geometric patterns.

📷 Photography Tip: Capture the sunset glow on the madrasa’s façade while standing in Registan Square of Bukhara, with the Kalyan Minaret and Mosque in the background for a complete...

The Mir-i-Arab Madrasa, officially known as "Mir Arab" O‘rta Maxsus Islom Ta’lim Muassasasi, is one of the most revered Islamic educational institutions in Uzbekistan and a masterpiece of Islamic architecture in Bukhara. Founded in the 16th century during the Shaybanid era, it continues to serve as a center for Islamic learning, giving the building a special sense of purpose and life beyond its beauty.

From the outside, the madrasa impresses with its grand portal, harmonious symmetry, and intricate tilework in shades of blue and turquoise. Inside, the courtyard is peaceful and beautifully maintained, with traditional student rooms and a calm, spiritual atmosphere that reflects its ongoing religious and educational role.

What makes Mir-i-Arab especially captivating is the fact that it’s not just a historical monument—it’s a living institution where students still study today. This blend of history, spirituality, and education creates a deeply authentic experience. Standing across from the Kalon Mosque, it forms part of a breathtaking architectural ensemble that’s hard to forget.

Whether you’re interested in architecture, history, or the Islamic tradition, a visit to Mir-i-Arab is both meaningful and inspiring. It’s a place that represents the heart of Bukhara’s scholarly and...