Mir i Arab Medressa Bukhara, Uzbekistan
This impressive medressa with two blue domes stands opposite the Kalon Mosque. Founded in the 16th century, it was a working seminary until its closure in 1920. Stalin reopened it in 1944.
Overview
The Mir-i-Arab Medressa stands opposite the Kalon Mosque in the historic center of Bukhara. Founded in the 16th century, the Islamic school features two distinctive blue domes and other tilework.
History
The medressa's namesake, Mir-i-Arab, was a 16th-century Naqshbandi sheikh from Yemen. He had a powerful influence on the Shaybanid ruler Ubaidullah Khan and also financed the original complex.
Mir-i-Arab Medressa was a working Islamic seminary from the 16th century until it was closed in 1920. It was reponed by Stalin in 1944 in an effort to gain Muslim favor for his war effort.
Description
The medressa is off-limits to tourists, but its facade can be enjoyed from Kalon Square. An especially fine view of the Mir-i-Arab can be had from the top of the adjacent Kalon Minaret.
The two luminous blue domes of the medressa are beautifully tiled and stand out against the mostly brown architecture around it. The tombs of Sheikh Mir-i-Arab and Ubaidullah Khan are beneath the northern dome.