Architecture of Uzbekistan

Madrasah in Tashkent

The Architecture of Uzbekistan is considered as the symbol of the nations' history. In spite of changing economic conditions, technological advances, demographic fluctuations and cultural shifts, the originality of Uzbek architecture can be seen in the country. Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Shakhrisabz, Termez and Kokand are the most famous architectural centers of art and science. Particularly, palaces, mausoleums and mosques, minarets and ancient masterpieces are survived to capture the pages of history. By confirming analytical facts from archeological researches about inhabiting the territory of Central Asia, it is stated that trends in architecture are seen parallel to Acheulean era. In fact, several pieces of monuments belong to both stone and bronze ages have been found in the mountains of Surkhandarya, Tashkent, Samarkand, Fergana and Navoi regions and in rivers’ valleys.^[1] During the Middle Ages, Uzbekistan was the center of the 7000-mile-long Silk Road, which enabled the flourish of architectural designs of Uzbek culture. Besides, Timurid-period architecture from 14th to 16th century, Shaybanid era of the 16th century resulted in the contribution of Islamic architecture and as well as Middle Ages.^[2] Till 20th century, Uzbek architecture has been characterized by its connection with traditional background on the one hand, and modern innovation on the other.

History

Splendid, colorful mosaics, religious symbols, and abstract geometrical patterns have always characterized historical construction in Uzbekistan. At first sight, the design seems beautiful itself while deeper look maintains geometrical and scientific intellect of abstractness.

Pre-historic times

The earliest traces of human habitation in the area of Uzbekistan are dated back many centuries. Turning details, information about ancient settlements proves that the earliest art of construction is Sapallitepa (XVII-XIV centuries BC) and Jarkutan (XIV-IX centuries BC), as well as Buddhist monuments, particularly Fayaztepa and Karatepa, can be found in Surhandarya region (I-III centuries AD). They all capture the stages of Central Asian civilization. One of the most important factor about Uzbek national history is the significance of the culture of ancient Khorezm. According to the life of Abu Rayhan Beruny, it can be notified that the city established even 982 years before Alexander the Great invaded Central Asia, or, in other words, 34 centuries ago. In other words, settlements of ancient Khorezm antiquityis defined by architectural masterpieces, such as Janbaskala (IV century BCE), Koi Krilgankala (II century BC – IV cent.AD), Toprakkala (I century BC – VI cent.AD), Ayazkala (II century BC, on the territory of Republic of Karakalpakstan).^[3]

Medieval eras

Bukhara, Samarkand and Khiva play a vital role in the influence of Middle Age architecture of Uzbekistan. For instance, palaces of the rulers, places of residence of aristocracy, market places, madrasah and mausoleums are confirmed as exceptional architectural patterns.

The Kyrk-Kyz

The Kyrk-Kyz ('Forty Girls') mansion in Termez dating back the 9th- 10th centuries is a fine example of an original country manor. The Samanids Mausoleum in Bukhara still stands as a fine architectural building from the marvelous period of early Middle Ages.^[4]

Minaret of Kutlug-Timur

Minaret of Kutlug-Timur

Another example of architectural work of 11th century is Minaret of Kutlug-Timur, located in Nukus city. In fact, being 62 meters high, the tower is known as the tallest minaret in Central Asia. The diameter at the base is 12 meters, whereas the top is only 2 meters, also the special staircase of 145 steps guide tourists to virtual image of Central Asia's history. The vertically and professionally filled bricks create architectural rhythms.^[5]

Registan

Registan

In the 11th-12th centuries, Samarkand became one of the major cities in the region. As The nobles public square in the world (Lord Curzon) – Registan is the main artwork and the heart of the ancient city Samarkand.^[6]

Being framed by three madrasahs (Islamic schools) of distinctive Islamic architecture: the Ulugh Beg Madrasah (1417–1420), the Tilla-Kari Madrasah (1646–1660) and the Sher-Dar Madrasah (1619–1636), it was a public square.

The Ulugh Beg Madrasah, was built in the times of Timurid Empire era of Timur, known as Tamerlane. By looking architectural point of view, it has a lancet-arch (pishtaq) or main square entrance. High minarets represent the beauty of the corners. There is a mosaic panel over the entrance arch, which was decorated by geometrical stylized ornaments. The building consists of mosque and lecture rooms, specialized for students. The walls have magnificent art galleries along the axes.

The construction of the Sher-Dar and Tilla-Kari madrasahs was ordered to be built in the 17th century. The tiger mosaics appear on the face of each madrasah.^[7]

The image of a lion on the Sher-dar Madrasah

Spesifically, the uniqueness of Sher Dar madrasah is found as images of lion-tigers, deer, and human faces. They are not only just paintings, but also special symbols of power by the perceptions of Islam religion. The real design beauty and association between grand portal, decorated pillars, and other masterpieces are impossible to be captured in photos.^[8]

The Tilla-Kari madrasah ( means «gold-covered») was known as the last, while huge and the most glorious structure of the Registan Square. Tilla-Kari madrasah includes 120 meter-long façade, relieving the square’s oppressive symmetrical axis. The composition of minaret at the corner gives strength to the architecture of the madrasah. Exterior scene was enriched by polychromatic tiles with geometric patterns. Moreover, at the center, there is tall pishtaq enables each façade to be more glorious.^[9]

The architecture of Temur's period captures the 13th century. In particular, strong castles, the symbols of strong government, authority and victory of the Islamic civilization, marketplaces - symbols of the role of trade, and living quarters - the essence of the complex urban life.^[10]

Bibi Khanum Mosque

Bibi Khanym Mosque

For example, the greatest monumental architecture was the Bibi Khanum Mosque, which has 115 feet high portals, 165-foot minarets, 400 cupolas and a huge courtyard. Specific features about the mosque is the gates, made of seven metals, and the building itself marble and terracotta with a decoration of mosaics and blue-gold frescoes.^[11]

The period of the Timurid dynasty (14th -16th centuries), as well as the Shaybanid era (16th century) is famous for its colorful architectural designs, such as Turquoise-colored domes: the dome of the Gur-e Amir (Tamerlane's mausoleum in Samarqand).^[12]

19th century

At the end of the 19th and the beginning of 20th centuries constructions give e scene of typical residential architecture of an ordinary Uzbek citizens. While the buildings reflect the experiences of historical background and as well as local and modern conditions of the region. For instance, an inhabited house in Bukhara has a closed character and is isolated from the street noise and dust. Its isolated rooms were built according to the weather changes and create a unique microclimate in both the heat and cold. Further example is Khiva, with a high terrace opened to the wind promotes the creation of a favorable microclimate in houses. So, in Ferghana, for example, houses had sliding walls and shutters, and were decorated with niches, ganch (wooden architecture), and other characteristic conditions. Besides, having very simple design styles, the national are veryrational and supplies the originality of Uzbek culture.^[13]

Conclusion

It has been proved by the facts that special features of Uzbek architecture harmonize traditional originality of structure formation and consideration of microclimate. Our magnificent cities Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva are famous with such fantastic architectural ensembles as Khazrat Imam, Registan, Lyabi Khaus, Ichan Kala etc. Almost all historical cities of Central Asia are considered to be on the «Must seen places».^[14]

Links

• Research paper checked 29 March 2016
• Middle ages checked 29 March 2016
• Article checked 29 March 2016
• Minaret of Kutlug-Timur checked 29 March 2016
• Sher-Dar Madrasah checked 29 March 2016
• About Registan checked 29 March 2016

References