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Ulugh Beg Madrasa, Samarkand

December 15, 2023

The Ulugh Beg Madrasa (Uzbek: Ulugʻbek madrasasi) is a madrasa (Islamic school) in the historic center of Samarkand, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Uzbekistan.[1] Together with other monuments, it forms the monumental ensemble of Registan, the old heart of the city.[2] It was built between 1417 and 1421 by the then-Timurid governor of Samarkand, Ulugh Beg, Timur's grandson and prominent astronomer, who was later emperor between 1447 and 1449.[3]

Ulugh Beg Madrasa
Ulug'bek madrasasi
General information
TypeMadrasa
Town or citySamarkand
CountryUzbekistan
Coordinates39°39′17″N 66°58′29″E / 39.65472°N 66.97472°E / 39.65472; 66.97472
Inaugurated1417–1421
Part of the World Heritage site "Samarkand – Crossroad of Cultures"

The madrasa was an important teaching center of the Timurid Empire,[4] where they taught some of the most outstanding scholars of their time,[5] both religious and secular.[4] It is the oldest building in Registan, the only one from the 15th century[2] and the only survivor of a wider architectural ensemble, which included several mosques, caravanserais, a bazaar, and a khanaqah (inn of Sufis).[4] At the site of the latter is currently the Sher-Dor Madrasa, located in front of Ulugh Beg Madrasa.[6]

History and context edit

The madrasa is one of several monuments erected in Samarkand by Ulugh Beg, who was a great patron of teaching, culture, and science in the city that was the capital of the empire founded by his grandfather Timur. This latter ruled the empire practically independently from 1409, while his father, Shah Rukh, commanded the Timurid Empire from Herat, where he had transferred the capital.[3] Ulugh Beg was himself a scholar and scientist who stood out mainly in the field of astronomy, known primarily for its highly accurate star maps, although they were made without using telescopes.[7]

Although it is common to present the madrasa as a university, some authors, notably Pierre Chuvin, note that it may be an exaggeration to consider it a true university, similar to those that exist today, because the teaching given there was very much linked to Islam. This was, moreover, consistent with the way its founder viewed learning: despite his facet as a scientist, Ulugh Beg was a very pious Muslim, who considered learning to be an act of reverence for the creation of Allah, so it is an anachronism to treat him as an adept of rationalism.[8]

It is evident how the worldview and interests of Ulugh Beg were reflected in the madrasa project. For example, its decorative elements fully respect the Islamic ban on the representation of living beings, using mainly geometric and calligraphic motifs, as is usual in most Islamic religious buildings. Nevertheless, some considerable freedoms were taken on the façade.[7] This is decorated with tessellated elements that form a stunning set of "constellations", which can be interpreted as a reference to the passion of the founder of the madrasa for astronomy. In fact, it is known that part of the building was used for some time as an astronomical observatory, before a building designed specifically for this purpose was built—the Ulugh Beg Observatory, of which very little remains today because it was destroyed by religious fanatics in 1449, shortly after Ulugh Beg's death.[7] In addition to the Samarkand madrasa,[3] where he was a teacher,[5] Ulugh Beg founded two others, both also known by his name; one in Bukhara and the other in G'ijduvon,[3][7] although some authors believe that these were built one of his sons, Abdal.[2]

Given the similarities between the three madrasas named after the prince–astronomer in terms of plan and height, they may all have had the same architect. The name of the architect of the Bukhara madrasa is known—Ismail b. Tahir b. Mahmad Isfahani—who may have been descended from one of the master builders and artisans captured by the armies of Timur in Isfahan, Iran, who were forced to stay in the Timur's Central Asian domains.[7]

Architecture edit

 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ulugh Beg Madrasa.
 
Inner courtyard

The building has a rectangular plan, measuring 56 by 81 meters,[7] with a minaret 33 meters high at each of the four angles.[5] Each side consists of blocks with two floors, which surround an inner courtyard. The entrance is made by three successive iwans. The outer iwan, facing Registan square, has a huge 35-foot tall pishtaq[5] (twice the height of the rest of the building) and occupies two thirds of the side of the madrasa. It has an inscription in kufic that reads: "this magnificent facade has a height that is twice that of the sky and has such a weight that the spin of the Earth is delayed".[5] Next to the outer iwan, there is another, smaller one, which in turn gives access to a third, facing the inner courtyard.[4]

The inner courtyard, measuring 30 by 40 meters,[7] is surrounded by a gallery of two floors, with entrances to the fifty hujras (student housing cells). In the center of each of the courtyard galleries is an iwan. The western side gives access to a long and narrow mosque, located at the rear of the madrasa,[4] where several pieces are on display, namely documents and European engravings from the 17th century. One of the engravings shows Ulugh Beg with a very European appearance. In each corner of the courtyard there is a darskhana (reading or class room),[5] covered by a dome. These rooms flank the mosque room to the west and the main iwan to the east.[4] The placement of classrooms in the corners has been adopted by almost all of the later madrasas in Central Asia, although in more recent madrasas, it is common for one of the corners to be occupied by the mosque, rather than the rear.[7]

All exterior surfaces are covered by a variegated decorative scheme, executed using hazarbaf, azulejos, hafts, faience, mosaics, and maiolica. Wainscoting and frames are made of marble.[4] The decorative motifs are mainly geometric girih patterns, but there are also floral motifs and inscriptions in kufic. The yellow-brown base helps to highlight the green, yellow, turquoise, and light and dark blue glazes. In the pishtaq of the main entrance, a panoply of blue stars in the decoration demonstrates Ulugh Beg's passion for astronomy.[5]

References edit

  1. ^ Samarkand – Crossroad of Cultures. UNESCO World Heritage Centre – World Heritage List (whc.unesco.org). in English; in French; in Spanish. Retrieved 19 November 2020.
  2. ^ a b c Bloom & Blair 2009, p. 398. Versão online: "Central Asia". Oxford Islamic Studies Online. Retrieved 19 November 2020.
  3. ^ a b c d Peter, Bernhard (2006). "Die Medrese von Ulugh Beg in Samarqand". www.kultur-in-asien.de (in German). Retrieved 19 November 2020.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g "Madrasah-i Ulugh Beg (Samarkand)". archnet.org. ArchNet: Islamic Architecture Community. Retrieved 19 November 2020.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g MacLeod & Mayhew 2017, p. 182
  6. ^ "Sher-Dor Madrasa, Samarkand, Uzbekistan". Asian Historical Architecture. www.orientalarchitecture.com. Retrieved 19 November 2020.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h "Ulugh Beg Madrasa of Samarkand, Uzbekistan". Asian Historical Architecture. www.orientalarchitecture.com. Retrieved 19 November 2020.
  8. ^ Chuvin & Degeorge 2001, quoted in OrientalArchitecture.com

Bibliography edit

  • Blair, Sheila S.; Bloom, Jonathan M (1995), "The Art and Architecture of Islam 1250-1800", Yale University Press, New Haven, ISBN 9780300064650
  • Bloom, Jonathan M.; Blair, Sheila S., eds. (2009), "The Grove Encyclopedia of Islamic Art and Architecture", Oxford University Press, ISBN 9780195309911, retrieved 19 November 2020
  • Chuvin, Pierre; Degeorge, Gerard (2001), "Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva", Flammarion, ISBN 9782080111692
  • Dani, Ahmad Hasan (1992). Masson, Vadim Mikhaĭlovich (ed.). History of Civilizations of Central Asia, Volume 6. Paris: UNESCO. ISBN 9789231034671.
  • Gangler, Anette; Gaube, Heinz; Petruccioli, Attilio (2004), "Bukhara, the Eastern Dome of Islam: Urban Development, Urban Space, Architecture and Population", Axel Menges, ISBN 9783932565274
  • Hattstein, Markus; Delius, Peter (2007), "Islam: Art and Architecture", Könemann, ISBN 9783833111785
  • Hillenbrand, Robert (1994), "Islamic Architecture: Form, Function, and Meaning", Columbia University Press, New York, ISBN 9780231101332
  • Knobloch, Edgar (2001), "Monuments of Central Asia", Bloomsbury Academic, ISBN 9781860645907
  • MacLeod, Calum; Mayhew, Bradley (2017), "Uzbekistan – The Golden Road to Samarkand", Odyssey Books & Maps (8th ed.), Hong Kong, ISBN 978-962-217-837-3
  • Soustiel, Jean; Porter, Yves; Janos, Damien (2003), Hampton, Ellen (ed.), "Tombs of Paradise: The Shah-e Zende in Samarkand and Architectural Ceramics of Central Asia", Monelle Hayot, ISBN 9782903824433

December 15, 2023
ulugh, madrasa, samarkand, ulugh, madrasa, uzbek, ulugʻbek, madrasasi, madrasa, islamic, school, historic, center, samarkand, unesco, world, heritage, site, uzbekistan, together, with, other, monuments, forms, monumental, ensemble, registan, heart, city, built. The Ulugh Beg Madrasa Uzbek Ulugʻbek madrasasi is a madrasa Islamic school in the historic center of Samarkand a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Uzbekistan 1 Together with other monuments it forms the monumental ensemble of Registan the old heart of the city 2 It was built between 1417 and 1421 by the then Timurid governor of Samarkand Ulugh Beg Timur s grandson and prominent astronomer who was later emperor between 1447 and 1449 3 Ulugh Beg MadrasaUlug bek madrasasiGeneral informationTypeMadrasaTown or citySamarkandCountryUzbekistanCoordinates39 39 17 N 66 58 29 E 39 65472 N 66 97472 E 39 65472 66 97472Inaugurated1417 1421Part of the World Heritage site Samarkand Crossroad of Cultures The madrasa was an important teaching center of the Timurid Empire 4 where they taught some of the most outstanding scholars of their time 5 both religious and secular 4 It is the oldest building in Registan the only one from the 15th century 2 and the only survivor of a wider architectural ensemble which included several mosques caravanserais a bazaar and a khanaqah inn of Sufis 4 At the site of the latter is currently the Sher Dor Madrasa located in front of Ulugh Beg Madrasa 6 Contents 1 History and context 2 Architecture 3 References 4 BibliographyHistory and context editThe madrasa is one of several monuments erected in Samarkand by Ulugh Beg who was a great patron of teaching culture and science in the city that was the capital of the empire founded by his grandfather Timur This latter ruled the empire practically independently from 1409 while his father Shah Rukh commanded the Timurid Empire from Herat where he had transferred the capital 3 Ulugh Beg was himself a scholar and scientist who stood out mainly in the field of astronomy known primarily for its highly accurate star maps although they were made without using telescopes 7 Although it is common to present the madrasa as a university some authors notably Pierre Chuvin note that it may be an exaggeration to consider it a true university similar to those that exist today because the teaching given there was very much linked to Islam This was moreover consistent with the way its founder viewed learning despite his facet as a scientist Ulugh Beg was a very pious Muslim who considered learning to be an act of reverence for the creation of Allah so it is an anachronism to treat him as an adept of rationalism 8 It is evident how the worldview and interests of Ulugh Beg were reflected in the madrasa project For example its decorative elements fully respect the Islamic ban on the representation of living beings using mainly geometric and calligraphic motifs as is usual in most Islamic religious buildings Nevertheless some considerable freedoms were taken on the facade 7 This is decorated with tessellated elements that form a stunning set of constellations which can be interpreted as a reference to the passion of the founder of the madrasa for astronomy In fact it is known that part of the building was used for some time as an astronomical observatory before a building designed specifically for this purpose was built the Ulugh Beg Observatory of which very little remains today because it was destroyed by religious fanatics in 1449 shortly after Ulugh Beg s death 7 In addition to the Samarkand madrasa 3 where he was a teacher 5 Ulugh Beg founded two others both also known by his name one in Bukhara and the other in G ijduvon 3 7 although some authors believe that these were built one of his sons Abdal 2 Given the similarities between the three madrasas named after the prince astronomer in terms of plan and height they may all have had the same architect The name of the architect of the Bukhara madrasa is known Ismail b Tahir b Mahmad Isfahani who may have been descended from one of the master builders and artisans captured by the armies of Timur in Isfahan Iran who were forced to stay in the Timur s Central Asian domains 7 Architecture edit nbsp Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ulugh Beg Madrasa nbsp Inner courtyardThe building has a rectangular plan measuring 56 by 81 meters 7 with a minaret 33 meters high at each of the four angles 5 Each side consists of blocks with two floors which surround an inner courtyard The entrance is made by three successive iwans The outer iwan facing Registan square has a huge 35 foot tall pishtaq 5 twice the height of the rest of the building and occupies two thirds of the side of the madrasa It has an inscription in kufic that reads this magnificent facade has a height that is twice that of the sky and has such a weight that the spin of the Earth is delayed 5 Next to the outer iwan there is another smaller one which in turn gives access to a third facing the inner courtyard 4 The inner courtyard measuring 30 by 40 meters 7 is surrounded by a gallery of two floors with entrances to the fifty hujras student housing cells In the center of each of the courtyard galleries is an iwan The western side gives access to a long and narrow mosque located at the rear of the madrasa 4 where several pieces are on display namely documents and European engravings from the 17th century One of the engravings shows Ulugh Beg with a very European appearance In each corner of the courtyard there is a darskhana reading or class room 5 covered by a dome These rooms flank the mosque room to the west and the main iwan to the east 4 The placement of classrooms in the corners has been adopted by almost all of the later madrasas in Central Asia although in more recent madrasas it is common for one of the corners to be occupied by the mosque rather than the rear 7 All exterior surfaces are covered by a variegated decorative scheme executed using hazarbaf azulejos hafts faience mosaics and maiolica Wainscoting and frames are made of marble 4 The decorative motifs are mainly geometric girih patterns but there are also floral motifs and inscriptions in kufic The yellow brown base helps to highlight the green yellow turquoise and light and dark blue glazes In the pishtaq of the main entrance a panoply of blue stars in the decoration demonstrates Ulugh Beg s passion for astronomy 5 References edit Samarkand Crossroad of Cultures UNESCO World Heritage Centre World Heritage List whc unesco org in English in French in Spanish Retrieved 19 November 2020 a b c Bloom amp Blair 2009 p 398 Versao online Central Asia Oxford Islamic Studies Online Retrieved 19 November 2020 a b c d Peter Bernhard 2006 Die Medrese von Ulugh Beg in Samarqand www kultur in asien de in German Retrieved 19 November 2020 a b c d e f g Madrasah i Ulugh Beg Samarkand archnet org ArchNet Islamic Architecture Community Retrieved 19 November 2020 a b c d e f g MacLeod amp Mayhew 2017 p 182 Sher Dor Madrasa Samarkand Uzbekistan Asian Historical Architecture www orientalarchitecture com Retrieved 19 November 2020 a b c d e f g h Ulugh Beg Madrasa of Samarkand Uzbekistan Asian Historical Architecture www orientalarchitecture com Retrieved 19 November 2020 Chuvin amp Degeorge 2001 quoted in OrientalArchitecture comBibliography editBlair Sheila S Bloom Jonathan M 1995 The Art and Architecture of Islam 1250 1800 Yale University Press New Haven ISBN 9780300064650 Bloom Jonathan M Blair Sheila S eds 2009 The Grove Encyclopedia of Islamic Art and Architecture Oxford University Press ISBN 9780195309911 retrieved 19 November 2020 Chuvin Pierre Degeorge Gerard 2001 Samarkand Bukhara Khiva Flammarion ISBN 9782080111692 Dani Ahmad Hasan 1992 Masson Vadim Mikhaĭlovich ed History of Civilizations of Central Asia Volume 6 Paris UNESCO ISBN 9789231034671 Gangler Anette Gaube Heinz Petruccioli Attilio 2004 Bukhara the Eastern Dome of Islam Urban Development Urban Space Architecture and Population Axel Menges ISBN 9783932565274 Hattstein Markus Delius Peter 2007 Islam Art and Architecture Konemann ISBN 9783833111785 Hillenbrand Robert 1994 Islamic Architecture Form Function and Meaning Columbia University Press New York ISBN 9780231101332 Knobloch Edgar 2001 Monuments of Central Asia Bloomsbury Academic ISBN 9781860645907 MacLeod Calum Mayhew Bradley 2017 Uzbekistan The Golden Road to Samarkand Odyssey Books amp Maps 8th ed Hong Kong ISBN 978 962 217 837 3 Soustiel Jean Porter Yves Janos Damien 2003 Hampton Ellen ed Tombs of Paradise The Shah e Zende in Samarkand and Architectural Ceramics of Central Asia Monelle Hayot ISBN 9782903824433 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Ulugh Beg Madrasa Samarkand amp oldid 1187340767, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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