Shergazi-Khan Madrasah in Khiva
Shergazi-Khan Madrasah
Historical Background
The Shergazi-Khan Madrasah, built between 1719 and 1726, is one of the oldest and most historically significant madrasahs in Khiva, Uzbekistan. It was commissioned by Shergazi Khan, the ruler of the Khiva Khanate, to serve as a center of Islamic education and scholarship.
One of the most famous legends associated with the madrasah revolves around its construction. Shergazi Khan used Persian prisoners of war (captured during his campaign in Khorasan) to build the structure. According to the legend, the prisoners were promised freedom upon completion of the madrasah. However, when Shergazi Khan failed to keep his word, the enraged workers killed him inside the unfinished building. This event added to the mystique and historical significance of the madrasah.
The madrasah became one of Khiva’s leading educational institutions, attracting scholars from across the region. One of the most notable students was Magtymguly Pyragy, a famous 18th-century Turkmen poet and philosopher, who later described his experiences in his poetry.
Architectural Features
Shergazi-Khan Madrasah reflects classic Central Asian Islamic architecture, with a rectangular layout, a courtyard surrounded by hujras (student dormitories), and lecture halls. Key architectural features include:
- Entrance Portal: The main entrance, originally at street level, has sunk about two meters due to soil subsidence over time. This gives visitors a sense of the madrasah’s age and how Khiva’s landscape has evolved.
- Courtyard Layout: The madrasah consists of a large inner courtyard, with cells for students and two large domed classrooms.
- Minimal Ornamentation: Unlike some of the more richly decorated madrasahs in Uzbekistan, Shergazi-Khan Madrasah has a simpler aesthetic, with restrained tilework and inscriptions.
- Historical Burial Site: Inside the madrasah, there are several tombs, including that of Shergazi Khan himself, marking its dual function as an educational and religious center.
Cultural and Religious Importance
For centuries, the madrasah played a key role in training Islamic scholars and theologians, helping to maintain Khiva’s status as a center of learning. Even after formal education ceased, the site remained a place of spiritual reverence and pilgrimage.
Today, the Shergazi-Khan Madrasah is part of the Itchan Kala UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting visitors who want to explore Khiva’s deep Islamic and architectural history. While no longer used as a school, it stands as a testament to the legacy of Shergazi Khan and Khiva’s scholarly traditions.
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