Registan Square, Samarkand
Registan Square · Samarkand, Uzbekistan
The blue heart of the Timurid Empire: the centre of an ancient Central Asian city, framed by three madrasas.
Know before you go
- Don't pass or take things with your left hand
- avoid shorts and sleeveless tops in religious places
- don't photograph people at prayer.
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
The astronomer king's madrasa
Between 1417 and 1420 Timur's grandson Ulugh Beg built a madrasa on the Registan, inviting astronomers and mathematicians from across the Islamic world to teach there; between 1424 and 1429 he built an observatory and compiled a star catalogue. Devoted to learning and neglectful of government, he was overthrown and killed by his son Abdal-Latif in 1449. The square's other two madrasas were built two centuries later, in the 17th century.
Source: Wikipedia: Ulugh Beg; Wikipedia: Registan
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Registan means 'sandy place' in Persian and was once Samarkand's public square and market. Its three madrasas were built between the 15th and 17th centuries: in the middle, the Ulugh Beg Madrasa built by Timur's grandson Ulugh Beg, flanked by the 17th-century Sher-Dor Madrasa and the Tilya-Kori (gilded) Madrasa. In 2001 Registan was inscribed on the World Heritage List as part of 'Samarkand – Crossroads of Cultures'.
Local customs
In Central Asia, hospitality starts with tea, and hosts often pour green tea for guests first. Keep quiet when visiting inside the madrasas. You can haggle at the market around the square, but bargain politely before agreeing, and don't back out once a deal is made.
Religion & beliefs
Uzbekistan is mainly Muslim (Sunni, Hanafi school). The Registan madrasas were historically centres of Islamic learning and are now mostly museums and craft shops. Dress appropriately, and avoid loud noise during religious holidays.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Uzbekistan: change money only at official outlets
- Change money at official exchange points, and get cash in big cities before heading to smaller places
- Changing money on the black market
Black-market currency exchange is illegal.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Uzbekistan travel advice
Uzbekistan: always carry your passport
- Carry your original passport at all times
- Leaving your passport at the hotel
The law requires you to carry it; police check often, and you may be fined or arrested if you don't.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Uzbekistan travel advice
Uzbekistan: check before you take photos
- Ask before taking photos near airports, border posts, military bases, bridges, police stations and metro stations
- Photographing government buildings
It may annoy the authorities; posting content on social media that disrespects the flag, food or customs can lead to fines or detention.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Uzbekistan travel advice
Don’t DON'T
- Don't pass or take things with your left hand
- avoid shorts and sleeveless tops in religious places
- don't photograph people at prayer.
Locals appreciate DO
Locals like to gather in the teahouses (choikhona) around the square for tea and plov. Samarkand mulberry paper and blue-tile crafts are the most popular souvenirs.
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- There is often a light show on the square at night (check official websites), well worth seeing. Samarkand's summer days are hot, so visit early in the morning or in the evening. High-speed trains link Samarkand with Tashkent
- check journey times on official websites.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
Must-try
- Samarkand plov
- Baked buns (samsa)
- Non (bread)
Samarkand plov (layered rice, carrots and lamb — sells out by noon), samsa (from a tandoor), non (round bread), shashlik (lamb skewers), lagman (pulled noodles)
| Where to eat | Siab Bazaar (a market within walking distance of the Registan), plov houses in the old town, old-town teahouses (chaikhana) |
|---|---|
| Dining etiquette | Uzbekistan is mainly Muslim and food is mostly halal; tea etiquette: host and guest have tea first, and take the bowl with your right hand; dress appropriately to enter mosques |
| Typical price per person | UZS 60,000–120,000 ≈ CNY 33–66 |
| Tips | Plov is only made for lunch — go between 11:00 and 13:00; dried fruit and non from Siab Bazaar make good gifts — taste before you buy. |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
Akhemen · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photos
Photos
Bernard Gagnon · CC0
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Shuhrataxmedov · CC BY-SA 3.0
Koshkinhome · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sources & verification notes
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