BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 20. One of Central
Asia’s most remarkable architectural ensembles is the ancient
Registan Square in Samarkand.


Representatives of Azerbaijani media taking part in a press tour
of Uzbekistan explored the history of Registan, its cultural and
scholarly significance, and the distinctive features of its three
iconic madrasas — Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor and Tilla-Kari.


Twenty representatives from Azerbaijan’s leading media outlets
are participating in the press tour. Among the participants is Emin
Aliyev, editor-in-chief of the Trend International News Agency.


Registan Square, whose name translates from Uzbek as “sandy
place,” served for centuries as the center of Samarkand’s public
and commercial life. Important state decisions were announced here,
celebrations were held, and merchants and craftsmen gathered at the
square.


The architectural ensemble of Registan took shape during the
Timurid period and under subsequent rulers. The first building on
the square was the Ulugh Beg Madrasa, constructed in 1417–1420 at
the initiative of the renowned scholar and ruler Mirzo Ulugh Beg.
Astronomy, mathematics, philosophy and theology were taught
there.


In the 17th century, Samarkand ruler Yalangtush Bahadur
commissioned two more madrasas — Sher-Dor and Tilla-Kari. Completed
in 1636, the Sher-Dor Madrasa is particularly known for the richly
decorated portal featuring depictions of tigers and the sun. The
name Tilla-Kari translates as “decorated with gold” and refers to
its extensive gilded ornamentation, particularly inside the
mosque.


Today, the three madrasas form a harmonious architectural
ensemble that has become one of the defining symbols of Samarkand
and Uzbek architecture.


During the press tour, the journalists also learned about the
history of Registan’s restoration. Over the centuries, the complex
was repeatedly affected by earthquakes and other natural factors.
Extensive restoration efforts have helped preserve and recover much
of its architectural and artistic heritage.


In 2001, Samarkand, including its historic monuments, was
inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.


Today, Registan Square is one of Uzbekistan’s most visited
tourist attractions. It hosts cultural events, concerts and
official celebrations, while the ensemble itself remains a powerful
symbol of Samarkand’s historical and cultural heritage.