Exploring Registan Square in Uzbekistan

Samarkand, the "Blue City" of Uzbekistan, is a must-visit destination. Among its many attractions, the four historical sites located within a little over a 1-kilometer radius in the UNESCO-listed Old City of Samarkand are essential stops for any traveler:

1. Registan Square
2. Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
3. Bibi-Khanym Mosque
4. Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis

Today, let’s take a closer look at Registan Square!

Registan Square, surrounded by three magnificent madrasas (Islamic schools), is awe-inspiring the moment you set foot there due to its vastness and grandeur.

On the right side, the Sher-Dor Madrasa features a rare depiction in Islamic architecture: an image of a sun-faced animal chasing a deer. While the animal appears to be a tiger, it is actually a lion 🦁. Such imagery is uncommon in Islamic art due to the prohibition of idolatry, but it is believed that the ruler of the time commissioned this design to showcase his power.

The square is also home to many souvenir shops, making it a great place to pick up mementos of your trip!

Located about two hours from Tashkent by high-speed train, it’s recommended to stay overnight and take your time exploring this historic gem.

Post by tinker_richo | Sep 13, 2025