At the dawn of the 15th century, the great ruler Mirzo Ulugbek, the grandson of Tamerlane, built in Bukhara an educational institution unique for Central Asia - a madrasah, which absorbed many of the features of modern universities. Ulugbek, the patron of science and culture, wanted to turn the beautiful city into a pearl of knowledge, an abode of enlightenment, where the best minds of civilization could share their discoveries in mathematics, astronomy, theology and other sciences.
Being part of the historical center of the ancient city, the madrasah became the property of all humanity, being included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The construction of the Ulugbek madrasah in Bukhara, which became the first of three with that name, took three long years, but the result was worthy of any expectations. Under the leadership of the best architects of the East, the magnificent house of wisdom also became the standard of eastern architecture of that era. The severity of the forms and previously unprecedented design elements inspired more than one generation of master builders who came from many countries just to get to know this amazing place.
“The pursuit of knowledge is the duty of every Muslim man and woman,” Ulugbek ordered such words to be placed above the entrance to the madrasah, emphasizing the relationship between faith and science as two factors necessary for enlightenment. Those who studied at the madrasah devoted all their time to study, literally moving under the arches of this center of science for several years. Here they found communication and relaxation, knowledge and the ability to use it.
The education system that was formed here differed from the usual one in those distant times - the students themselves decided which teacher they would study with, and classes were held in the form of conversations, where everyone could speak out and ask their question. The youths who came to the madrasah left it as sages, who later glorified Bukhara throughout the world.
One hundred and fifty years later, in 1585, the landmark acquired majolica after restoration, and then frequent repair work allowed this important heritage of the East to survive to this day, albeit in a slightly modified form.
In the middle of the 17th century, another building was erected opposite the Ulugbek madrasah, which received the name of the ruler of these lands who founded it - the Abdulaziz Khan madrasah. Thus, by the will of the ruler of Bukhara, Abdulaziz Janid, the new and old madrassas formed an architectural ensemble - “kosh madrasah”.
The Canaan Travel team invites all caring researchers of the history and culture of the East to visit Uzbekistan and the wonderful land of the sorceress Bukhara.