Samarkand Registan - a world heritage site in Uzbekistan

The Samarkand Registan is a historic square in the Uzbek city of Samarkand. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers stunning architecture and a surprising light show in the evening.

Registan in Samarkand

Registan is a square in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, surrounded by three madrassas, i.e. historic former schools or institutions of Islamic studies and higher Islamic education. The square has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001, along with several other buildings in Samarkand, and is perhaps the city's largest and most significant attraction.

Registan in Samarkand - with a long history

The historic city of Samarkand was founded in the 7th century BC as the ancient city of 'Afrasiab'. The city then served as a crossroads and melting pot for the world's cultures, and the area developed most under the Turkish-Mongolian warlord Timur Lenk in the 14th and 15th centuries.

The Registan Square, with its three beautiful madrassas, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2001 along with several other buildings and monuments in Samarkand, such as the Bibi Khanum Mosque, the Shakhi-Zinda complex, the Gur-Emir Mausoleum and the Ulugh-Beg Observatory.

Madrasa Ulughbek

Madrasa Ulughbek was built under the direction of the scientist Ulug Beg in 1417-1420. The main architect was Karomiddan Sherozi.

During the famous scientist's time, in the 15th century, hundreds of educational establishments were built where people could study mathematics, geography, history, science, medicine, music, logic, poetry, accounting, theology, hadith (Islamic narrative), fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), literature and Arabic.

Today, this madrassa houses a museum where you can learn more about Ulug Beg and other astronomers. Even the Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe is depicted here.

Madrasa Sher Dor

Madrasa Sher Dor was built by order of Emir Yalangtush Bahadur. 1619 - 1636. We were told that a special thing about this building is that both animals (a tiger) and a human are depicted on this building, which is very unusual in Muslim architecture.

Madrasa Tilla-Kari

Madrasa Tilla-Kari was also built by order of the Emir Yalangtush Bahadur, 1646 - 1660.

This third madrassa is the largest and most decorated. The name means 'gold-clad', and refers to the lavish gilded decoration of the mosque's domed chamber. Incredibly beautiful!

Visiting the Registan during the day

The Registan can be visited both during the day and in the evening, but it is only during the day that you can enter the buildings and courtyards. Daytime is therefore suitable if you want to see interior architecture, museums and the like. There is an entrance where you pay for your visit.

Visiting the Registan in the evening

We chose to visit the Registan both daytime and evening. In the evenings - during the most touristy months - there is a fantastic light show on the walls. You stand outside a fence, and suddenly it starts ...

Even though you're looking at historic buildings, it almost feels like a Disney show. The walls change colour, spotlights fly across the sky and figures - dancers, camels and big eyes - move across the walls.

While the show is going on, a voice, in American English, tells the magical story of the place.

We highly recommend visiting the Registan in Samarkand - both during the day and in the evening.

Things to consider when visiting the Registan

Uzbekistan is a Muslim, albeit secularised, country and there are relatively traditional values around dress. As a woman, it is often appropriate to wear clothes that cover the shoulders and knees, and it is advisable to bring a shawl, as the veil should be worn out of respect when visiting religious sites. Men should also not wear shorts when visiting mosques and other sacred buildings.

More to see in the neighbourhood

If you're a history buff, there are a number of other interesting places to visit in Samarkand that are worth a visit. For example, don't miss the complex Shakhi-Zinda, Gur-Emir Mausoleum and Ulugh-Beg Observatory. Moreover, it is exciting to experience market, Uzbek cuisine, the primeval good area and the newly built Silk Road Samarkand tourist area with the 'Eternal City'.

Have you visited the Registan in Samarkand?

Have you visited the Registan in Samarkand? How was your experience? Or would you like to visit this place?