The Registan

The Registan is a majestic square at the heart of Samarkand, lined on three sides by the exquisite, turquoise-tiled facades of three madrasahs (Islamic schools).

The interior and exterior walls and domes of the madrasahs are decorated with ornamental glazed brick, mosaics and carved marble. The square is considered an architectural gem representing the finest in Islamic Art and, most remarkably, a rare depiction of an animal’s form.

For many this square is the epitome of the Timurid Renaissance and one of the crowning glories of Islamic architecture anywhere in the world. It was here that royal proclamations were read out and where justice (including public executions) was dispensed.