Registan Square, Samarkand

Timeline

1. 1421–1430Registan Square · SamarkandThe Ulugh Beg Madrasa was completed around 1420, forming the north wing of the square with a facade of blue mosaics and astronomical-themed decoration; it became the core of Samarkand's scholarly and ceremonial activities, attracting scholars from Persia and across Central Asia.
2. 1400–1500Registan Square · SamarkandThe square itself was an open sand-covered space used for proclamations, festivals, and markets, complementing the madrasas' religious-educational role and forming the central node of public life in the Timurid capital.
3. 1619–1660Registan Square · SamarkandIn the 17th century the Sher-Dor and Tilya-Kori madrasas were added on the south and east sides of the square, completing the three-sided enclosure and making it one of the most spectacular urban squares in the history of Central Asian Islamic architecture.