Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah, Bukhara

The Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah, constructed in 1652 in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, is a remarkable example of medieval Central Asian architecture, situated across from the older Ulugh-Beg Madrasah built in 1417. This juxtaposition creates a visually and historically significant architectural duet, illustrating the evolution of design aesthetics over the centuries in this region.

While the Ulugh-Beg Madrasah, erected during the Timurid dynasty, adopts a more restrained approach in size and decoration, the Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah is characterized by its grandeur and intricate ornateness. It highlights the exceptional skills of the architects, builders, and artists of Central Asia of the time, showing a distinct progression in architectural style and craftsmanship.

The madrasah's entrance features a strikingly high portal that leads to an elaborately decorated iwan gateway. Unlike the simpler iwan of Ulugh-Beg, which features Koranic inscriptions, Abdulaziz Khan’s iwan is adorned with verses from renowned poets and showcases ornamental stalactites, reflecting the rich cultural and intellectual life of the era.

The interior decoration diverges from the geometric and astral motifs typical of the period, instead presenting lush, wavy plant patterns. Notably, these include images of a Chinese dragon and the mythical bird Simorgh, symbolizing Bukhara’s vibrant connections with the Silk Road kingdoms.

The madrasah also displays a variety of decorative techniques including relief majolica, marble carving, tile and brick mosaics, wall painting, and even gilding. Both the summer and winter mosques within the madrasah are lavishly adorned, with the winter mosque situated in the western corner of the entrance hall and the summer mosque centrally located in the courtyard.