Thursday, April 09, 2009
Registan in Samarkand
The Registan was the heart of the ancient city of Samarkand. This is where the people were listening to their king, Timur (or Tamerlane). It was also the place of the numerous public executions that were held regularly until early in the 20th century.
There are three madrasahs around the Registan: Ulugbek Madrasah (1417-1420), the Sher-Dor Madrasah (1619-1636) (Lion Gate) and the Tilya-Kori Madrasah (1646-1660) (covered with gold). The site is really impressive -- just imagine to be in front or in the middle of three Notre-Dame cathedrals!
The Registan Ensemble is a wonderful combination of the structures built at different times. As we arrived, one of the guards suggested us to go up one of the minaret (for a little fee). The view from up there is really something special.
