Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah in Bukhara
Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah
The madrasah of Abdulaziz Khan is a medieval madrasah in Bukhara. The madrasah was erected in 1651-1652 by the Uzbek ruler from the Ashtarkhanid dynasty, Abdulaziz Khan (1645-1681). In architecture, it occupies a special place both in its importance and in the richness of its artistic decoration. The interiors of the madrasah were decorated with murals with landscapes inspired by Indian architecture.
Architectural Significance
Under Soviet rule, the madrasah of Abdulaziz Khan was thoroughly restored in 1930 with the participation of the craftsman Usta Shirin Muradov. Constructed by the “Kosh” method together with the madrasah of Ulugbek, it forms a harmonious architectural ensemble. The entrance is distinguished by its high and rich external ornament, in which yellow paint was first used. When decorating the madrasah, a variety of techniques were employed, including carved tiles and mosaics, relief majolica, carved marble, alabaster frescoes, and gilding.
The Pinnacle of Central Asian Art
The madrasah is considered the pinnacle of the achievements of Central Asian architecture. Contrary to the traditions of purely ornamental decor, the walls are painted with images of flowers, trees, landscapes, and even dragons and birds of Simurg. The names of Bukhara masters are woven into the ornaments, including the calligrapher Mavlyana Muhammad-Amin, his son the mosaic artist Mim Hakan, and the main court architect Muhammad Salih.
Visitor Information
Entrance fee: 1.5 USD