Sherdor Madrasa — Attraction in Samarkand City

The Sherdor Madrasah is one of the prominent landmarks of Registan Square in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, and is a striking example of Timurid architecture. Constructed between 1619 and 1636, it is the most recent of the three madrasahs in the square and stands as a reminder of the architectural grandeur that flourished in the region after the Timurid era.

Sherdor Madrasah is particularly renowned for its exquisite facade, featuring grand tilework with intricate motifs. One of its most notable features is the depiction of lions on the facade, which is unusual for Islamic architecture because animals are typically avoided in religious depictions. The lions are seen as symbolic of strength and majesty. The structure also showcases vibrant blue, yellow, and white tiles, contributing to the harmonious aesthetic that defines the square.

The design of Sherdor Madrasah incorporates typical features of Islamic madrasahs, including a large central courtyard and a domed prayer hall. The madrasa also had a teaching function in its time, offering higher education and religious training, similar to the other madrasahs in Registan.

While Ulugh Beg Madrasah is renowned for its astronomical connections, Sherdor Madrasah represents the artistic and architectural zenith of later periods in the region. Today, the madrasah, like the others in Registan Square, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit historical...

Sherdor Madrasa is one of the three stunning architectural jewels of Registan Square in Samarkand, alongside:

Ulugh Beg Madrasa

Tilla-Kari Madrasa

Sherdor Madrasa

A single entry fee of 150,000 UZS covers access to all three historical sites.

Built in the 17th century, Sherdor Madrasa is easily recognizable by its vibrant facade and unique tilework. The name “Sherdor” means “With Lions,” referencing the striking mosaic on its entrance portal depicting two tiger-lion figures — a rare artistic element in Islamic architecture that makes this madrasa especially iconic.

Although not as old as Ulugh Beg Madrasa, Sherdor was built to mirror it in structure and design, creating a symmetrical harmony on the square. The craftsmanship, especially on the entrance arch and dome, reflects the peak of Persian and Central Asian artistry.

Inside, the madrasa houses small souvenir shops and craft displays, where you can see traditional Uzbek textiles, ceramics, and miniature paintings. While the madrasa is visually impressive, some areas inside appear aged and could benefit from better upkeep, much like its neighboring structures.

Despite that, Sherdor Madrasa remains a top highlight of Registan Square, admired for its bold artwork, symmetry, and...

Sher-Dor Madrassah (1619-36).

In 1612, Yalangtush Bahadur, a skilled politician and educated commander, was appointed Emir of Samarkand. He decided to construct another madrasa on Registan Square, opposite the one built by Ulughbek, and named it in honor of its patron.

According to the project of architects, the new madrassah was supposed to be located on the eastern side of the square and be a mirroring reflection of the existing building on Registan. However, the exact mirroring concurrence did not work, as the Ulughbek madrassah building had shrunk into the ground and the level of the square itself had risen to 2 meters. In the result, the new madrassah turned out to be taller, which is rather difficult to notice this different visually.

Construction lasted until 1636. Even though the façade of the building was completely resembling the first madrassah, they had used new technology in construction.

On the huge drum of the gate two big golden lions or tigers hunt white deer against the background of sun with human faces adoring the entrance. This image, so unusual for Muslim art, gave the madrasa its nowadays name (Sher-Dor = adorned with tigers). It was this plot that later became a national symbol of Uzbekistan.

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