Sher-Dor Madrasah, Samarkand

Sher-Dor Madrasah (Sherdor) was built on Registan Square in Samarkand between 1619 and 1636. The name translates to “Madrassah with Lions”. It is a grand yet slightly exaggerated reflection of the Ulugbek Madrasah, located just opposite on the western side of Registan Square. Although constructed 200 years later, Sher-Dor is larger in size, though it lags behind its “elder brother” in the quality of craftsmanship.

On the outside and inside this Madrasah is decorated with bright ornaments of glazed brick, walls and towers are covered with majolica of various patterns of climber flowers and quotations from Kuran on Arabic. But some part of finishing is irretrievably lost, though scientists, historians and restorers try to recover the initial appearance of Sher-Dor Madrasah.

Architecturally, Sher-Dor nearly replicates the design of the Ulugbek Madrasah, featuring a square layout with an inner courtyard, student cells (khudjras), and two classrooms. It was considered a modern structure in its day, incorporating the latest architectural innovations. The building’s unique structural elements and ornate details make it one of the standout monuments frequently highlighted on Uzbekistan tours.

In addition the Madrasah of Sher-Dor has some features. In the center of the arch above the entrance there is the image of swastika, which from ancient times was the symbol of abundance and fertility. Also there are images of tigers with the sun on their backs on each side of the arch.

For the whole period of existence the Madrasah of Sher-Dor has been restored many times. The largest works were conducted in the beginning of XX century by Soviet architect, out of them the most famous was V.G. Shukhov. Today this monument of Samarkand architecture is one of the main sights of the city. In 2001 the Madrasah of Sher-Dor entered the UNESCO World Heritage List.