Ulugh Beg Madrasa — Attraction in Samarkand City

The Ulugh Beg Madrasah is one of the three grand structures surrounding the Registán Square in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, and is an exceptional example of Timurid architecture. Built in 1417 by Ulugh Beg, the grandson of Timur (Tamerlane), the madrasah stands as a testament to Ulugh Beg’s passion for education, science, and astronomy.

Ulugh Beg himself was a renowned astronomer and mathematician, and he established one of the most advanced observatories of his time in Samarkand. The madrasah, constructed as a religious school, is celebrated for its impressive architectural features, including its large, detailed entrance portal adorned with vibrant tiles. Its symmetrical design, with an impressive central courtyard, was a model for other madrasahs built later in the region.

The madrasah’s mosaic tiles, particularly the deep blues and greens, and the use of geometric patterns are typical of the Timurid style, blending Islamic and Central Asian aesthetics. The structure is an excellent example of the cultural richness that Samarkand reached during Ulugh Beg’s reign, as the city was a major center of Islamic learning and science.

Today, the Ulugh Beg Madrasah remains an iconic symbol of Samarkand’s historical and cultural significance and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It serves as a major attraction for tourists interested in history, architecture, and the legacy of the...

Ulugh Beg Madrasa (1417-20).

The heir of the great state of the Temurids, the well-known mathematician and astronomer Ulugh Beg, assumed authority in 1409. In 1417, he built the madrassah (teaching and learning place) that would later be renamed in his honor. It was the first erection on the Registan Square.

In 1420, the construction of madrassah ended. On the outside, the building, located on the western part of the square, was done in the form of a rectangle; inside there is a square yard with entrances to the student cells (approximately for 100 people) and learning rooms. The façade of the madrassah looks out on the square, completed with two tall minarets in the corners. Special attention should be given to an exquisite interior of the building. Glazed bricks create beautiful ornaments on the yellowish laying of the walls. The madrassah portal is adorned with patterns of ten-pointed stars symbolizing the sky, and astronomy.

At that time, it was the largest scientific-educational establishment in Samarkand. Here students were taught philosophy, astronomy, mathematics, and theology.

Two centuries later, they would build two other madrassah on the nearby place, and they would complete the architectural ensemble that we can all see today. (from:...

Ulugh Beg Madrasa is one of the three iconic madrasas that make up the majestic Registan Square in Samarkand — the heart of the city's architectural and cultural glory. The three madrasas here are:

Ulugh Beg Madrasa

Tilla-Kari Madrasa

Sherdor Madrasa

The entry ticket for Registan Square, covering all three madrasas, is 150,000 UZS for foreigners.

Among them, Ulugh Beg Madrasa stands out as the oldest and most historically significant. Built in the 15th century by the famous astronomer and ruler Ulugh Beg, this madrasa was once a major center of learning in Central Asia.

The entrance of the madrasa is grand and imposing, reflecting Timurid architectural finesse. However, time has taken its toll — parts of the facade and interior show signs of aging and lack of maintenance, which slightly dulls its visual appeal.

Inside, there's a small museum section showcasing exhibits on the madrasa’s educational role, its curriculum, and its contributions to Islamic science and astronomy. These displays offer a glimpse into the scholarly past of Samarkand.

Despite the wear and tear, Ulugh Beg Madrasa remains one of the most famous and historically rich sites in Uzbekistan. Visiting it gives a sense of the city's deep intellectual and...