Short Historical Overview

The Abdullaziz-Khan Madrasah was built in 1652 by Abdullaziz Khan, a ruler of the Ashtarkhanid (Janid) dynasty. It stands directly opposite the older Ulughbek Madrasah, creating a visual dialogue between two eras of Bukhara’s history. While Ulughbek’s was about learning and simplicity, Abdullaziz’s madrasah was about grandeur and artistic expression. He wanted to show the city’s strength, wealth, and devotion through architecture. Though he ruled only briefly, this madrasah became his legacy. With its detailed tilework, tall portal, and richly decorated interiors, it marked one of the last great masterpieces of Bukhara’s religious architecture before the city entered decline.

Structural Insights

The structure is grand and richly detailed. The entrance portal is massive, with bright mosaic tiles, floral patterns, and intricate calligraphy that rise toward the sky. Inside, the courtyard is wide, surrounded by student rooms, prayer halls, and lecture spaces. The ceiling of the mosque chamber is especially stunning, painted with gold and deep blue in complex patterns. The building uses the most refined tilework in Bukhara. Its design is more theatrical than earlier madrasahs—made to impress. Every part of the structure seems to say: “Look what we can build.”

Fun Fact

The decoration of the madrassah is not finished as the ruler was dethroned before the end of the construction work. The project was terminated by the architect with the rise of a new ruling.