Registan Square: A Notable Holiday Destination in Uzbekistan

Registan Square is one of the most glorious attractions in Uzbekistan. It is among the Islamic world's most prominent and most magnificent works. Sitting in the heart of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, it is famous worldwide.

The word Registan translates to Sand Palace. It has three medieval madrassas that are architecturally rich and stunningly beautiful. After being hit by several earthquakes, it still stands strong and is a testament to the extraordinary craftsmanship of the builders. All three buildings have their unique exterior and interior that captivates the attention of tourists.

Registan Square in Samarkand is also one of the marvels on the UNESCO World Heritage List. If you want to explore this gem of Uzbekistan, go through this post and plan your Registan tour.

History of Registan Square

The Registan is a treasure trove of Samarkand, founded in 700 BC. It used to be a prosperous center of commerce as it was a significant part of the Silk Route. In ancient times, the Registan was the main commercial center of the Samarkand. Registan had been occupied by various dynasties, including Genghis Khan. Under the Mongol warrior leader Timur’s rule, many stunning structures were built. Registan was one of them.

Registan has three beautiful madrasahs- Ulug-Beg Madrasah, Sher-Dor Madrasah, and Tilya-Kori Madrasah. Among these three madrasahs, Ulug-Beg is one of the oldest, dating back to 1420. The other two were built in the 17th century under the rule of Yalangtush Bakhodur.

Today, Registan and its madrasahs are the center of tourist attractions. Travelers come to visit and explore this square from all over the world. It remains open every day from 09:00 am to 06:00 pm. If you want to see the magical side of Registan Square, visit it at night when the buildings are adorned with lights.
 
Best Time to Visit Registan Square

Registan Square is located in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, a year-round destination. However, the best time to visit is from March to May and September to November. During these months, the weather remains pleasant. It is an ideal time to indulge in exploration tours, check out bustling bazaars, and sightsee ancient monuments.

The peak season in Samarkand is summer, between June to August. It is the time when every corner of Registan Square is filled with people. There are huge crowds around the square during this time. However, it is also a very hot period in the country, making it impossible for tourists to explore Registan in hot weather.

So, if you want to visit Registan Square, travel from March to May and September to November. You can also visit in the winter, which is perfect for outdoor activities.

Famous Registan Square Buildings

We have shared enough information about Registan Square. Let’s now look at its popular madrasahs that add more beauty to its existence. Here are the brief explanations of these madrasahs:

• Ulug-Beg Madrasah

Ulug-Beg Madrasah was built by Timur’s grandson, Ulubeg, during 1417-1420. He was a well-known mathematician and astronomer. Ulugbeg was the grandson of Timur. While his grandfather was known for building mosques and mausoleums, Ulubeg made madrasahs. Madrasahs are a place of teaching and learning. Ulubeg himself used to teach mathematics, theology, philosophy, and astronomy.
 
The interior and exterior of this madrasah are incredibly stunning, with two tall minarets in the corners and exquisite details on the wall carvings. Ulug-Beg’s yellowish walls look even more pretty. The madrasah had 28 rooms on each of the two floors. Further, it had a large mosque and four classrooms.

However, after a strong earthquake, the madrasah was destroyed. It was restored and renovated during the Soviet period. Today, there are various souvenir stores inside the madrasah.

• Sher-Dor Madrasah

Sher-Dor Madrasah is standing opposite of Ulug-Beg Madrasah, constructed between 1619-1636. It is almost similar to the Ulug-Beg’s style. It was built by Yalangtush Bakhodur, the ruler of Samarkand. The unparalleled architecture of this madrasah was designed by the Abdujabor.

Sher-Dor Madrasah took 17 years to complete. The large & small rooms, efficient symmetry, beautiful mosaic decor, and other wall carvings make this monument eye-pleasing. Its interior is adorned with ribbed domes, Islamic inscriptions, and geometrical & floral ornamentation.
 
The portal of the Sher-Dor Madrasah depicts two lions, two fallow deer, and two suns. Two lions represent power, fallow deer depict the people’s obedience to power, and the two suns are described as a reminder of the pre-Islamic traditions. It also consists of several shops that travelers check out on their sightseeing tour.

• Tillya-Kori Madrasah

Tillya-Kori Madrasah is another madrasah built by Samarkand Yalagtush Bakhodur. It was built in the 17th century between 1647 and 1660 in the place of Caravanserai. It was erected as a combination of a mosque and a madrasah. The architecture of this madrasah was created intricately, keeping the dual functionality of the madrasah in mind.

Tillya-Kori translated to gold or gilded work. It derived its name from the gold ornate tones of the interior of the madrasah. Among the three madrasahs, Tillya-Kori has the most brilliant decoration that impresses everyone who visits. If you are at Registan Square, it is one of the main attractions in this area.

Things to Know Before Visiting Registan Square

Samarkand’s main attraction is Registan Square, which attracts umpteen tourists every year. If you are also planning to visit this place, do remember the following things before leaving:

• Always wear clothes that cover knees and shoulders, as Samarkand is conservative. For warmer months, loose-fitting clothes are the best.
• Learn a few words of Uzbek or Russian to converse easily with locals, as most people speak in their local language.
• Bring a water bottle with you to remain hydrated during the sunny days on your trip to Registan in Samarkand.
• Get information about the timings of sound and light shows.
• Visit Registan Square during the sunset to get postcard-perfect pictures with vibrant hues complementing the square.

Explore the Unexplored Gem of Samarkand with Dook!

Registan is a perfect place for history buffs and someone who loves the intricacies of architecture. It is an ideal sightseeing spot for many travelers in Uzbekistan. If you want to go on a holiday to Samarkand, look at the range of tour packages available on Dook International’s website.
 
Our Uzbekistan travel packages are handcrafted, keeping the traveler’s preferences in mind. We always put forward your wishes and needs to make your travel experience stress-free and fabulous. Our expert team ensures you get everything done at your fingertips without much hassle. So, if you want to fly to Uzbekistan for a fantastic holiday, contact Dook today!

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