Ulugh Beg Madrasa, Samarkand


The Ulugh Beg Madrasa is a religious educational institution in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. It was built by Ulugh Beg during the Timurid dynasty at the Registan in the heart of the ancient city of Samarkand.

Appearance of the madrasa

The madrasa was built from 1417 to 1420. The building is crowned by an azure fluted dome. The exterior decoration of the walls consists of blue, light-blue, and white tiles organized into geometrical and epigraphic ornaments against a background of terracotta bricks. All the patterns are designed in a Greek style. The dome has a bright blue color with deep rosettes and white spots. The central hall is illuminated with the help of stained windows.
There are many old tombs concealed within the madrasa.
Behind the madrasa building is the "Chorsu Hovli" mausoleum. Just east of the main building is situated a mosque built especially for Ulugh Beg.