Kosh-Madrasah in Bukhara
Kosh-Madrasah
The Kosh-Madrasah ensemble in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, is a notable architectural complex comprising two distinct madrasahs: the Modari-Khan Madrasah and the Abdullah-Khan Madrasah. The term "Kosh" translates to "double," reflecting the ensemble's design of two facing madrasahs.
Modari-Khan Madrasah
Constructed between 1566 and 1567, the Modari-Khan Madrasah was commissioned by Abdullah Khan II in honor of his mother, as "Modari-Khan" means "mother of the khan." The madrasah features a courtyard surrounded by two-story loggias and hujras (student cells), along with a mosque and lecture hall. The building's trapezoidal shape was designed to accommodate the existing street layout, resulting in a unique architectural form.
Abdullah-Khan Madrasah
Erected between 1588 and 1590, the Abdullah-Khan Madrasah is the larger of the two structures and is considered one of Bukhara's most impressive madrasahs, following the Kukeldash and Mir-i-Arab madrasahs. Its grand facade is richly adorned with colorful majolica tiles in hues of blue, white, and aquamarine. The interior boasts a spacious hall beneath a dome set on a dodecagonal base, showcasing the architectural sophistication of the period.
Architectural Significance
The Kosh-Madrasah ensemble is particularly notable for its layout, with the two madrasahs facing each other across a narrow street, creating a cohesive and harmonious architectural complex. This design exemplifies the "Kosh" concept, where paired structures are positioned to complement one another, enhancing the overall aesthetic and functional coherence.
Visitors to Bukhara can appreciate the historical and architectural significance of the Kosh-Madrasah ensemble, which stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage and its prominence as a center of Islamic learning during the 16th century.
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