Lesson – Historical monuments in Tashkent. Plan

Historic Sights of Tashkent

Tashkent is the city with a fascinating and rich history. You will find here many historical places to visit and admire. Browse our list of mostly visited historical places in Tashkent that are included in the itenirary of almost every tourist. View photos, find out descriptions and read reviews of historical tourist attractions of Tashkent.

2. 
   Madrassah of Tashkent
   

2.1 Kukeldash madrassah

Welcome to Kukeldash madrassah in Tashkent. Here you will find information, view photos and read tourist reviews of Kukeldash madrassah in Tashkent. You may also visit our full list of Historic sites in Tashkent, or click the link to look at our full list of sightseeing places in Tashkent.

Every city in Uzbekistan, whether it is Samarkand or Samarkand has a central ensemble – Registan. In Tashkent, the Registan ensemble consisted of a large madrasa Kukeldash with remarkable mosaics in the portal. The monument is raised on a high pedestal, emerged on the ancient cultural layers.

Despite the numerous modern complexes built in the 20th century in the Chorsu square, Kukeldash madrassah still remain the historic dominance of the area.

History of Kukeldash Madrassah

Built in 1570 by Governor Dervish Khan, known as Kukeldash, which means “milk brother” of khan, it is as originally a Muslim school. In the 18th century the madrassah was arranged as a caravanserai for merchants. In the 19th century, madrassah served as a fortress of Kokand khans. Until 1865 madrassah Kukeldash served as a place of public execution.

Madrassah have repeatedly fallen into ruins. Tumbled by an earthquake in 1866 and 1886, the portal was then restored. Madrassah was renovated in 1950-1960 -1977 years. To the north-east of the Kukeldash madrassah, there is preserved a monument of an earlier time, construction of which is connected with the name of Khoja Ahrar. It’s Friday mosque.

All these buildings are organically woven into the exotic flavor of bazaar, with its bright colors, noise and bustle. Market has long attracted the attention of Russian and Western European travelers and tourists. (Madrassah (Arabic: madrasah pl. madāris) is the Arabic word for any type of educational institution, whether secular or religious (of any religion). It is variously transliterated as madrasah, madarasaa, medresa, madrassa, madraza, madarsa, medrese and etc) the wonderful masterpiece and pride of Tashkent city,

Connecting past and present is - Madrassah Kukeldash. Beauty of this monument attracts both tourists and townspeople. It is the most fabulous and the most famous historical building in Tashkent. For many years it has the center of the city’s life: situated nearby was the market square, caravanserai, craftsmen's quarters; the heralds proclaimed edicts of rulers, public executions were held; the residents shared news and rumors. Today Kukeldash is still the center of the so-called “Old Town” ("Eski Shahar): bazaar is still there, caravanserais were replaced by Chor-Su Hotel; as for the craftsmen's quarters, despite the development of industry the secrets of the masters are still passed from generation to generation.Kukeldash has seen a lot: it was used as a fortress and a hotel, it sur vived two earthquakes. Now there, like four centuries ago, is the madrassa and the mosque. From the towers on the corners of the building the people are summoned to prayers. The cells are inhabited by students; the building’s leftside is for religious services.Once being in Tashkent, certainly visit Kukeldash. It is not only an interesting historical monument, but a great start for a short trip to "old" city. It is located on a high hill in the area of Chorsu square. The entrance is free of charge. The Madrassah was built by a vezir of the Tashkent khans (1551-1575), called Kukeldash ("the foster-brother of the khan"). The Madrassah has a traditional composition: an extensive court yard, built on khudjras, with darskhana and a mosque in the corners. The main entrance, 19.7 m. high, which is arranged as imposing portal, leads to the courtyard that is bordered by two-storied hostels in the form of sections. Each section consists of a room and entrance niche - ayvana. Two or three students occupied each room. The towers (guldasta) at the corners serve for muezzins (azanchi), when they call believers for worship (namaz). The madrasah proportions: outward: 63 x 45 m., courtyard: 38 x 87 m. At the end of the 18th century, the madrassah was used as a caravanserai, in 1860 it served the khans of Kokand as a fortress, and also as a place of execution (from the top parapet, women convicted of infidelity were dumped in bags onto a platform covered with stones). Madrassah Kukeldash is one of the largest Madrassahs of 16th century still preserved in Central Asia, with the advanced layout and specific construction of that time.The Madrassah was constructed from baked brick. Only one facade is decorated. On the portal, the remains of carved decor, glazed bricks and majolica have been preserved: they were restored in 1950. The monument has a huge historic and architectural value. Madrassah Kukeldash, despite its critical condition, was preserved and restored.