Madrasa of Ulugh Beg
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Name
144613_sv.jpg
Size
856.15 KB
Format
JPEG
Checksum (MD5)
b666e3b76280cadfa3b1d9e2a4d62634
Creator(s)
Islamic, Uzbek
Time period
creation date: 1417-1420
Location
Site: Bukhara (Uzbekistan)
Cultural context
Islamic
Uzbek
Description
One of three madrasas commissioned by Ulugh Beg, this one in Bukhara was constructed over the same years as that in Samarkand. The builder, Ismail b. Tahir b. Mahmud al-Isfahani utilized the traditional courtyard plan, but instead of the standard four iwans, he included only two, located on the entrance (longitudinal) axis. A double-height arcade of niches links the iwans, each niche leading to a rectangular, barrel vaulted student cell. The main exterior façade features a centered pishtaq flanked by a double-height arcade that terminates in corner towers. A square vestibule beyond the entrance iwan provides access to the courtyard and to flanking large domed chambers; one is a winter mosque, the other a classroom.
The decorative scheme makes considerable use of hazarbaf brick patterns in dark and light blue glazed tile. The entrance iwan also includes haft rangi tiles with extensive gilding. Traces of painting remain on the mihrab of the mosque.
The Ulugh Beg Madrasa faces the larger Abd al-Aziz Khan Madrasa, constructed 1645-1680.
The decorative scheme makes considerable use of hazarbaf brick patterns in dark and light blue glazed tile. The entrance iwan also includes haft rangi tiles with extensive gilding. Traces of painting remain on the mihrab of the mosque.
The Ulugh Beg Madrasa faces the larger Abd al-Aziz Khan Madrasa, constructed 1645-1680.
exterior, student cells facing courtyard, 2009
Work type
Madrasa
Medium
brick
Type
Image
Rights
(c) Igor Demchenko 2009
Access rights
All rights reserved
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