This 1979 postcard presents a composite view of two significant architectural landmarks in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, illustrating their historical and cultural prominence within the city’s panorama.
What is shown on the postcard
The left side of the postcard depicts the courtyard of Tilya-Kori Madrasah, part of the Registan architectural ensemble. A richly decorated arched entrance portal, a series of smaller arches leading to inner rooms, and decorative tilework are visible. In the background, domes and minarets characteristic of Central Asian architecture can be observed. The right side of the postcard showcases the ruins of Ishratkhana Mausoleum. A large, dilapidated arch of the main portal and fragments of walls bear witness to the structure’s former grandeur, a portion of which has collapsed. Tree trunks are visible on the right foreground.
Historical note
Tilya-Kori Madrasah, constructed between 1646 and 1660 at the command of Emir Yalangtush Bakhadur, is one of the three monumental buildings on Registan Square, alongside the Ulugh Beg and Sher-Dor madrasahs. Its name, meaning “gold-covered,” reflects the luxurious interior decoration of its main mosque, whose walls and dome were adorned with extensive gilding. Ishratkhana, or “House of Joy,” is a mausoleum built in 1464 at the initiative of Abu Sa’id’s wife, intended as a burial place for Timurid women and children. Despite significant destruction, particularly after the 1903 earthquake, the mausoleum retains remnants of its former splendor and architectural complexity.
Present day
Currently, Tilya-Kori Madrasah functions as a museum and tourist attraction, and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Samarkand – Crossroads of Cultures.” Restoration efforts have preserved and restored much of its unique decor. The ruins of Ishratkhana Mausoleum remain a site of archaeological research and conservation. While not fully reconstructed, efforts continue to stabilize and study the structure, preserving it as a valuable monument of the Timurid era.
Location (map)
Address: Registan Square, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Coordinates: 39.654500, 66.974900
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Coordinates point to Registan Square, where Tilya-Kori Madrasah is located. The postcard also depicts the Ishratkhana Mausoleum, situated further south..
Questions and answers
- What is depicted on the 1979 postcard from Samarkand? The postcard depicts the inner courtyard of Tilya-Kori Madrasah at Registan Square and the ruins of Ishratkhana Mausoleum.
- When were Tilya-Kori Madrasah and Ishratkhana Mausoleum built? Tilya-Kori Madrasah was built between 1646 and 1660, and Ishratkhana Mausoleum was built in 1464.
- What is the current state of these historical sites? Tilya-Kori Madrasah serves as an active museum and tourist site, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruins of Ishratkhana Mausoleum are under conservation and are a subject of archaeological research.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Samarkand from 1979.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.