The Registan — The Very Soul of Samarkand

The Registan of Samarkand is the very soul of the ancient city’s heritage. Standing majestic in the heart of Samarkand, the Registan has witnessed the turns of history that shaped the ancient city as well as Uzbekistan. Its historic presence represents Samarkand’s legacy as an ancient oasis along the silk road, and the Timurid dynasty’s commitment to culture, governance and learning. The Registan, meaning “a sandy place,” is the central public place in a given ancient city in Uzbekistan. It served multiple purposes for the ancient citizens of Samarkand. Trade, culture, official administration and Islamic learning in the Registan were breaths of civility that brought Samarkand the grandeur that it stands for today. During Amir Timur’s lifetime, activities at the Registan were mostly commercial in nature. There were six main roads that ran through the square. The square was also connected to Amir Timur’s citadel by these roads. There used to be a domed bazaar, but Amir Timur’s grandson Ulug Bek ordered the construction of the Ulug Bek Madrassa, thus perhaps permanently changing the character of the square into historical and cultural. Surely, throughout its ancient existence the open space was often the site for military parades, the public announcement of royal edicts, or even where executions took place, but it was always the heart of all things important for the citizens of Samarkand. During the warmer months, there is a light show that illuminates the Registan in all colors of the spectrum in every evening. The light show comes at 8 to 8:30pm or so and it goes for about an hour. The lights presented the Registan in an incredible glamor. We stood completely absorbed in the accompanying Uzbek music that celebrated Samarkand. #registan #samarkand #uzbekistan #amirtimur #centralasia #trip