Abdullah Khan Madrassah, Jiva, Uzbekistán
Shaybanid ruler Abdullah Khan II built the madrasa of Abdullah Khan in 1589-90, as a residential theological school to the southwest of Bukhara’s city center. He located the structure immediately opposite his earlier Madar-i Khan Madrasa, thus creating another of Bukhara’s typical double madrasa ensembles. Abdullah Khan’s madrasa was built during Bukhara’s third and last great construction phase when numerous civic structures such as caravanserais, tims, taks, hauz and khanqahs. It is noted for its mastery of architectural form, plan and structure at a period of declining trade, political stability and lack of architectural innovation.
Although based on a traditional four-iwan madrasa type, the south-facing Abdullah Khan Madrasa departs from the typical rectangular or polygonal exterior envelope with a staggered west facade and two projections at the center of the north and east facades. The eastern features a turret in its northeastern corner, and the pentagonal projection to the north encloses a central domed chamber. A mosque and classrooms flank the antechamber of the south-facing pishtaq, in the conventional manner.
Epic Uzbekistan Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound
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