Palace of Khudáyár Khán, Royal residence in Kokand, Uzbekistan
The Palace of Khudayar Khan is a royal residence in Kokand featuring a facade adorned with intricate ceramic tiles. The structure originally contained numerous rooms arranged around multiple courtyards.
The palace was constructed in 1871 by architect Mir Ubaidullah as the Khan's center of power. Russian forces destroyed significant portions of the original structure in 1918.
The palace walls display detailed Arabic inscriptions made from majolica tiles that reflect the ruler's power and remain visible to visitors today.
The building is partially preserved with restored rooms displaying traditional artifacts and crafts. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and follow signs as they move through the various sections.
The architect used an inventive method to test the building's stability by placing grain on a minaret to detect vibrations from nearby factories. This practical approach helped ensure the structure could withstand the effects of industrial activity in the area.
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