Medrese Nadir Devonbegi, 17th-century Islamic madrasa in Bukhara, Uzbekistan.
Medrese Nadir Devonbegi is a 17th-century madrasa in Bukhara with 71 rooms arranged around a central courtyard in two stories. The small chambers were designed for students and teachers, forming a compact teaching complex.
The building was originally built as a caravanserai between 1622 and 1623. It was later converted into a madrasa by order of Imam Quli Khan, completely changing its original function as a trading inn.
The building shows unusual decorative elements for Islamic architecture, including tile mosaics with birds and other animals on its facade. These animal depictions are rare in madrasas and give the place a special visual character.
The site now houses traditional craft workshops and offers visitors regular performances of Uzbek music and folklore. It is worth planning some time to explore both the workshops and to enjoy a performance.
The building deviates from typical madrasa design by omitting the standard large classroom and traditional entrance porch. This unusual layout is evidence of how the original structure influenced the new use.
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