Chorsu Art Gallery

The Chorsu Art Gallery in Samarkand is a remarkable cultural landmark that offers a deep dive into the artistic heritage of Uzbekistan. Situated in close proximity to the iconic Registan Square, behind the Sher-Dor madrassah, the gallery is housed in a small hexagonal building with a rich history spanning over six centuries.

Constructed in the 15th century, the building originally served as a bustling shopping center where various types of hats were traded. Its strategic location at the intersection of four roads earned it the name «Chorsu,» derived from the Persian words «Chor» meaning four and «su» meaning flow or path. Over the centuries, the building underwent several reconstructions, with the most recent restoration uncovering a three-meter layer of soil that had concealed its base. In 2005, the historic Chorsu shopping center was handed over to the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan, which soon transformed it into an art gallery.