Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Historical center of Samarkand, Uzbekistan
The Registan is the heart of old Samarkand and the single image that sums up the Silk Road. Its Persian name means sandy place, and from Timurid times in the 15th century it was the city's main square, where people gathered to hear royal proclamations and for markets and ceremonies. Three madrasas face each other across it, with towering portals covered in blue and turquoise mosaic. On the west is the Ulugh Beg Madrasa (1417 to 1420), the oldest, built by Timur's astronomer grandson, who taught there himself. Opposite stands the Sher-Dor Madrasa (1619 to 1636), the lion-bearer, whose portal shows a rare image of two lions chasing deer under a sun with a human face. On the north side is the Tilya-Kori Madrasa (1646 to 1660), the gilded, which also served as the city's Friday mosque; its prayer hall is lavishly decorated in gold inside. The old student cells around the courtyards now house workshops and shops for ceramics, embroidered silk, miniatures and carpets, and in the evening the madrasas are lit up, sometimes with a light show.
Come twice: in the morning when light falls into the courtyards, and at night when the façades are illuminated, which you can enjoy free from the viewing platform. Allow two hours for the three madrasas, and do not miss the gilded hall of Tilya-Kori. Wear comfortable shoes, and expect friendly bargaining in the workshops.
Hours and prices change — check before you go. Source: en.wikipedia.org
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