Palace of Khudáyár Khán, Royal residence in Kokand, Uzbekistan
The Palace of Khudáyár Khán is a former ruler's palace in Kokand, Uzbekistan, with a facade covered in colorful majolica tiles. The building was originally arranged around several courtyards and contained dozens of rooms, of which only a portion survives today.
The palace was built in 1871 by architect Mir Ubaidullah as the center of the Khan's power in the Fergana Valley. Large parts of the building were destroyed in the early 20th century following Russian expansion into the region.
The palace walls display detailed Arabic inscriptions made from majolica tiles that reflect the ruler's power and remain visible to visitors today.
Only part of the original complex is open to visitors, and the surviving rooms display traditional objects and crafts. Sturdy footwear is a good idea, as some floors can be uneven.
The architect is said to have tested the building's stability by placing grain on a minaret to detect vibrations from nearby industrial activity. This unusual approach shows the care that went into planning the construction.
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