Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasa, building in Khorazm Region, Uzbekistan
The Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasa is a large, multi-story school building in Khiva's old city, constructed in the mid-1800s with double rows of student rooms and five domes crowning the main entrance. The building contains roughly 125 small units, each with two rooms, many featuring loggias on the upper level that allowed learners to live and study in a single complex.
The building was constructed between 1852 and 1855 under orders from Muhammad Amin Khan, a ruler determined to establish Khiva as a major center of learning. The adjacent unfinished Kalta-Minor tower, standing at 29 meters, stands as a reminder that the ruler died during construction before his ambitious vision could be fully realized.
The madrasa is named after the ruler who commissioned its construction, reflecting how central learning and religion were to the city's identity. The ornate glazed brickwork and ceramic tiles with floral patterns demonstrate the importance placed on craftsmanship and beauty by those who built it.
The building sits near the Ata-Darvaza gate in the old city and is easily reached by the main street connecting other historic sites. Today the property includes a hotel, restaurant, and tour office, making it convenient for visitors to explore while also finding refreshment and accommodation.
An Arabic inscription above the main entrance declares the building will stand forever and bring light to future generations, reflecting the builders' deep conviction about its purpose. This poetic message shows how the founders viewed it as a lasting legacy for those who would come after them.
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