Registan Square - The Finest Wonder of Uzbekistan.

My journey through Central Asia took me through national parks, mountains, horseback riding and Nomadic ways of living. Now was the time to explore something different.

The next highlight was one of the world’s most underrated yet unique sites for travellers to visit. They are the madrassah buildings in Registan Square in Uzbekistan.

Of the Five Stans of the Silk Road, Uzbekistan is considered the mainstream destination in Central Asia. Being one of the most accessible countries with historic and cultural landmarks makes Uzbekistan an attraction for tourists. Nowhere is this more evident than in the cultural capital of Samarkand.

The official languages of Samarkand are Uzbek (the first language of Uzbekistan), Tajik and Russian.

One of the world’s oldest cities, Samarkand is said to have been discovered sometime between the 8th and 7th centuries BCE. From the conquering of Alexander The Great during the Hellenistic period, to the Sassinand Persian Empire, the Mongols and Genghis Khan to the Russian Empire and Soviet period, it felt like stepping into an historical encyclopedia during our day tour.

Arriving in Samarkand with G Adventures, we were greeted by our local guide, Mohugul. An expert on the history of Samarkand, she took me and the group to see the Observatory of Mirzo Ulugbek and the Shakhi Zinda Mausoleum.

Braving hot mid-day temperatures of 38 degrees Celcius, the morning walking tour group was rewarded when we arrived at the famous Registan Square. Located in the old city centre, Registan was built during the Timur period in the early 15th century.

Standing outside Tilla-Kori Madrassah in Registan Square Complex.

Walking into Registan for the first time was overwhelming and eyeopening. The three massadrahs on the square are larger than life. I have seen social media photos and videos on YouTube of Registan. Yet, nothing compares to seeing things up close and personal.

What is a madrassah? The term is Arabic for any kind of educational institution, secular or religious, whether for elementary or higher education. In the historical context, madrassahs are institutions that exist for the purpose of teaching the ways of Islam in countries with a majority Muslim dominated society as is the case with Uzbekistan.

The name “Registan” in Uzbek, simply means sand place. In ancient times the entire Registan complex was covered by sand with the three madrassahs being constructed over the coming centuries.

Inside interior of Tilla Kori Madrassah with gilded design golden colours painted with kundal during the erection process.

In the time of Timur, three madrassahs were erected which make up the Registan Square I stood on during my visit there (see pic above). Tilla-Kori Madrassah, Sher-Dor Madrassah and Ulugh Beg Madrassah.

Each of these madrassahs carries has its own unique styles and architectural design. When we entered the madrassahs, my group and I saw the “Tilla Kori” (meaning gilded) interior design. Artists painting the madrassahs used “kundal” during the decoration of the interior. It was decorated using rich decedent golden colours, mixed with blue containing gilt designs on the walls. A carpet museum and souvenir shops are also featured and popular destinations for locals and tourists alike.

It was afternoon and we were given some free time to wander around Registan and Samarkand. I used this opportunity to meet new travellers, check out the shops and most of all, to marvel at the ambience of and magnificence of the madrassahs towering above me.

A visit to Registan was not complete without experiencing its nightly light show. Changing colours during the 30-minute spectacle, I had the opportunity watch the show with fellow travel mates and other tourists that I met from around the world.

Registan Square light show at nighttime.

I rewarded myself with a nice rooftop patio dinner with views of Registan. Sitting alone, I was invited over by a man and a woman from Moscow at the table across from me. Sharing a dialogue, drinks and laughs, the three of us commiserated about the pleasures of visiting Samarkand before walking back to our respective accommodations at the end of our evening together.

The scorching weather made for an arduous, yet exciting, day in which to experience Samarkand, and provided me with an opportunity to have some alone time and recover from my fatigue after a month of travel through Central Asia.

Visiting Samarkand was a highlight of my Five Stans tour. It was one of the most underrated, yet, truly fascinating cultural city I discovered during my time in Uzbekistan. This set the stage for the fifth and final ultimate highlight of my journey through Central Asia and one that stands the test of time and to be unforgettable in my travel life.

Views of Registan’s exterior from rooftop restaurant.