Located in the town of Gijduvan, approximately 40 kilometers from Bukhara, the Ulugh Beg Madrasah is an important yet somewhat overlooked monument of Central Asian architecture. This madrasah is notable as the third such educational institution constructed by Ulugh Beg, the prominent Timurid ruler and scholar. Its significance extends beyond its historical role, reflecting a peak in the architectural achievements of the Timurid period.
The rise of the Timurid Empire was an era marked by the accumulation of wealth among the ruling elite, an influx of enslaved labor, and a flourishing of trade and crafts. The architecture of this period diverged significantly from earlier styles, characterized by grandeur, monumental forms, and elaborate decoration in azure and gold.
During the rule of Amir Timur (Tamerlane, 1370-1405), architecture evolved from modest structures rooted in local traditions to grandiose buildings like the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, epitomizing the zenith of Timurid architectural style. This trend continued under Ulugh Beg and his successors, reflecting both the wealth and cultural ambitions of the era.
Ulugh Beg’s madrasahs represent some of the earliest examples of their kind in Central Asia. These institutions showcase a fully developed architectural type, with the Gijduvan madrasah being the last of three built by Ulugh Beg. The architectural type is well-defined, with later madrasahs often emulating its forms with minimal variations.
The Gijduvan Madrasah is part of a significant architectural ensemble in Gijduvan, known for its historical and architectural value. This madrasah, though modest in size, contributes to the broader understanding of Timurid architectural practices. It is characterized by a distinctive front facade with a high portal (peshtak), flanked by large domed rooms on either side that serve as prayer halls or mosques, and a nearly square courtyard surrounded by single-story arcades leading to cells (hujras).
The layout of the Gijduvan Madrasah includes a frontal facade with an elevated peshtak, giving it a vertical emphasis. A double door, intricately carved, opens into a vaulted vestibule that leads directly to the courtyard. To the right of the entrance lies the mosque, and to the left, the darshona (classroom).
The courtyard is almost square, bordered by a single-story arcade under which ten hujras are located—four on the southern and northern sides and two on the western side. A prominent arch is positioned only on the western side of the courtyard, opposite the entrance.
Internally, the mosque and darshona are symmetrically aligned and share similar floor plans. They are elongated spaces divided into three sections by protruding decorative elements. Each section is covered by an arch, with central domes providing illumination through windows. The walls are plastered with alabaster and lack intricate decorations.
The hujras in the Gijduvan madrasah are small rooms, some with domes and others with simple pointed vaults. The external decoration of the Gijduvan madrasah is simpler compared to its counterparts in Bukhara and Samarkand, focusing on geometric patterns and Kufic inscriptions.
Much of the original decoration of Ulugh Beg’s madrasahs has been replaced or renovated over the centuries. During the late 16th century, many original tiles were substituted with new ones featuring designs typical of the Abdullah Khan era. This new decoration contrasts with the Timurid period’s more elaborate patterns, highlighting a shift in aesthetic preferences.
The facade of the Gijduvan madrasah features a continuous decorative tilework pattern of glazed bricks in blue and turquoise, with simple geometric designs. The inscriptions above the entrance, partially legible, commemorate the building’s completion, which is dated to 1433 CE. This makes it the last of the three madrasahs constructed by Ulugh Beg.
Adjacent to the madrasah is the shrine of Khoja Abdul-Khalik, surrounded by a small courtyard enclosed by a brick wall. The complex also includes a mosque with a distinctive wooden mihrab, noted for its stalactite niche. Nearby, the dhakhma (tomb) of the sheikh is marked by a marble slab dated 1913, although the tomb itself is from an earlier period.