Historical and Cultural Places

Nodirdevonbegi Madrasah

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An architectural monument in Bukhara. It was built by the vizier of the Bukhara khan Imamquli Khan, Nadir Devonbegi (Nadir Mirza Tagay ibn Sultan) (1622–23). The Nadir Devonbegi Madrasah (Bukhara) is located in the eastern part of the Labi-hauz ensemble. Originally built as a caravanserai, it was converted into a madrasa by the Khan's decree. It features a madrasah-style ayvan, a mosque, a large classroom, and a courtyard surrounded by two-story small cells on four sides.

Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasa was built in 1622–1623 during the reign of the Ashtarkhanid ruler Imamquli Khan by the statesman Nadir Divan-Begi. Located in the Mulla Shamsiddin quarter of Bukhara, the madrasa originally contained 71 student cells (hujras).

Historical waqf documents reveal that the complex included a mosque, a two-story madrasa, and a pond. One teacher taught subjects such as Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) and its principles, receiving a salary and grain allowance from the madrasa’s endowment. Today, the madrasa hosts traditional music and folklore performances for visitors and also contains handicraft workshops.

Architecture

The building was originally constructed as a caravanserai but was later converted into a madrasa by order of the ruler. Unlike traditional madrasas, it does not have a large lecture hall, mosque, or entrance iwan. Instead, the courtyard is surrounded on all four sides by two-story rows of student cells.

The madrasa is especially famous for its magnificent entrance portal decorated with colorful mosaic tiles. Among the floral ornaments are rare images of the mythical Huma bird, deer, and the sun, making it one of the most distinctive monuments of Bukhara. Arabic inscriptions adorn the borders and decorative panels.

The complex measures approximately 52 × 49 meters, while the courtyard measures 34 × 30 meters. Over the centuries, the madrasa has undergone several restorations, preserving its status as one of the architectural masterpieces of Bukhara.