Registan Square

The name of the Registan translates to 'Sandy Place', and during the Timurid Empire this public square acted as a commercial centre that hosted a bazaar or was used for royal announcements. The characteristic blue tiles of Samarkand can be seen decorated on each of the three madrassahs (Islamic schools) that surround the central square. These madrassahs are some of the world’s oldest of their kind, each offering its own history and function.

The three madrassahs are the Ulugbek Madrassah, Sher Dor Madrassah, and the Tilla-Kari Madrassah. They were built between the 15th to 17th centuries respectively. Even though this region experiences frequent earthquakes, these buildings have remained standing thanks to the mastery in architectural design of the people of the time. Under Soviet rule beginning in the late 19th century, many restorations took place to repair some of the damage inflicted by these earthquakes.

The Registan is truly a sight to behold and at various times of day you may see a very different image of each building. With the changing position of the sun, the intricate tile work and vibrant colours are displayed from a whole new perspective. Often times there will be a light and sound show after dark that is full of entertainment. Visit the ticket booth near the entrance of the plaza for information, and to purchase an all-day pass!

This site is often crowded with locals and tourists during the day. Come right at opening at 8AM for fewer crowds and a better photo opportunity.