Ulugbek’s Madrasa, Bukhara

Ulugbek's Madrasa in Bukhara is a prominent architectural gem dating back to 1417 and is the oldest preserved madrasah in Central Asia. This historical structure is not only the earliest of the madrasahs built by the astronomer and ruler Ulugbek but also stands as the sole large-scale remnant from the Timurid dynasty in Bukhara. It underwent significant renovations during the reign of Abdullah Khan II in 1586, which contributed to its preservation and current splendor.

The madrasa forms a distinctive architectural ensemble with the Abdulaziz Khan Madrasa, located directly opposite. This pairing is known locally as a "double madrasah," a common feature in Central Asian architecture where two buildings face each other to form a unified aesthetic and functional complex.

Architecturally, the madrasa showcases a majestic gable adorned with glazed bricks, colorful floral rivets, and intricate tile work. The interior features a dome in the entrance hall constructed from a twelve-sided brick grid with beautifully colored tiles in blue and light hues. The structure encloses a courtyard lined with two-story rooms and roofed porches, emphasizing symmetry and proportionality in its design. Decorative elements include sensitive finishes with white, turquoise, and purple glazed bricks that enhance the aesthetic appeal of arches and gables.

Internally, the madrasa is equipped with a mosque and a classroom, each capped with a dome and located on opposite sides of the central courtyard. A library on the second floor adds to the educational purpose of the building. The combination of educational facilities and religious functions reflects the dual role madrasahs traditionally played in Islamic societies.

In 1993, Ulugbek’s Madrasa was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the "Historic Center of Bukhara." Today, it houses the Museum of the History of the Restoration of Bukhara Monuments, offering insights into the extensive efforts to preserve and restore the region's heritage.