In joint efforts of the academics of Bukhoro, Samarqand Termiz and Qarshi the project on researching and deciphering the epigraphic inscriptions on the monuments of the medieval architecture of Uzbekistan are being implemented. For about a year the academics of the republic have been engaged in studying and deciphering the inscriptions at the world-known architectural monuments Shohi Zinda, Go’r Amir, Amir Temur mosque, Bibikhonim mausoleum, Registan complex and others, totally over 2,000 ethnographic episodes, initiated by the Fund Forum. These masterpieces of the medieval architecture could also be considered the monuments of written culture of our ancestors by right.

Behruz Ma’rufiy, director of Registan architectural complex, supervisor of the creative group on the issues of studying epigraphy of architectural monuments of Samarqand and Samarqand region tells:

“We were targeted to photo-gypsum every epigraphy, letter depicted in the arches and marble domes of these ancient constructions. The years pass and these valuable inscriptions on architectural monuments could be lost for some reason or other. For instance, now, Sherdor Madrasah has already lost 70 percent of inscriptions. Owing to this initiative we are able to restore them entirely.”

Including three grand madrasahs – Ulughbek, Sherdor and Tilla-Qori, Registan complex had historically been formed during 250 years. Its building started at the period of outstanding scientist and statesman Mirzo Ulughbek who constructed the first of three madrasahs. It was built in 1417-1420.

At the fragments of these sublime constructions there are thousands of inscriptions. The most parts of these texts are dedicated to the importance of education and enlightenment. From time immemorial the cult of knowledge in the East considered the sacred, and it explains the prevalence of inscriptions dedicated to the knowledge, especially in Ulughbek Madrasah. This higher educational institution was built by the great astronomer and governor for developing fundamental sciences. This institution at that time was acknowledged as an academy.

All inscriptions of the monuments were photographed, enlarged in the computer and studied profoundly. Considerable part of text fragments of the complex were made in quite various calligraphic styles on the basis of several branches of Arabic written language (kufic, suls). The main portal of Ulughbek Madrasah mainly contains oyahs from Koran, hadises permeated with deep ideas and culture of Islam, as well as noting the high status of the then scientists in the society.

One of them says: “On the instruction of one of the great sultans this pure and light elevation was built as like the loftiness of paradise. Luxurious ornamentation and design of the building and courtyard are devoted to everyone who comes for knowledge and enlightenment. They will discuss the issues useful to the faith of us.”

After studying and classification of all inscriptions in Ulughbek Madrasah, the same work was carried out in Sherdor Madrasah. According to one of the inscriptions the construction of the madrasah was started by Bahodir Yanagtush with the blessing and consent of Khokon Imom Quli Mukhammad and completed in 1042 on the Hijrah calendar (1618-1619). The inner courtyard of the Sherdor has four small arches as in Ulughbek Madrasah where surahs from Koran could be read. Over the hujras (rooms) there are inscriptions dedicated to the role of Islam, science and academics.

Many of the inscriptions on the walls of Sherdor Madrasah are kept in the original. In one of the arches of the inner yard poetic lines of the Samarqand’s poet of the 17^th century Mir Khoji are depicted that contain quite interesting information having link with the history of building of this architectural monument. These lines run as follows: “This construction is completed thanks to the generosity of amir (governor) Yalangtush. He strived for high and was like a rising star. Four bases of the building as like the four corners of the earth protecting this world with their splendor. This grand construction is the place of gathering of scientists and sheikhs.”

It should noted that drawing these inscriptions on the constructions carried not only spiritual-enlightening design but favoured the development and perfection of the art carving and calligraphy that by the 17^th century reached its golden age.

Only after construction of Tilla-Qori Madrasah the ensemble Registan took its completed appearance that had been formed during 250 years. This building also contains lots of inscriptions that have also been thoroughly studied and classified.

Research works on studying of inscriptions on these monuments of architecture drew huge interest in numerous foreign and local tourists visiting Registan ensemble. Attracted with this process, they discussed the meaning of the Arabic types on rather various languages; put forward their versions of interpretations and destinations. Initially it was planned to publish the book in Uzbek and Arabic languages, then it was decided to add English and Russian versions.  

The computer program has been created under the assistance of the Fund Forum that allowing to read any inscriptions on the ensemble Registan on Uzbek, Russian, Arabic and English languages, you should only click the necessary number.