Nodir Devon Begi Madrasah Bukhara
A stunning 17th-century madrasah in Bukhara, famed for its rare mosaic facade featuring mythical birds and deer.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Cultural shows and lively atmosphere
Nodir Devon Begi Madrasah Bukhara
Best Time
Cultural shows and lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning 17th-century madrasah in Bukhara, famed for its rare mosaic facade featuring mythical birds and deer.
"The facade is stunning with unique tile work showing peacocks, sun, and deer which is very rare in Islamic architecture."
📸 Capture the Rare Imagery
The facade's unique mosaics with birds and deer are a photographer's dream! :camerawithflash:
🛍️ Shop for Local Crafts
The courtyard is filled with stalls selling beautiful handmade souvenirs. :shopping_bags:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ornate Mosaic Facade
Stunning tilework with rare depictions of mythical birds, suns, and deer. A visual feast!
Courtyard Artisan Shops
Browse unique handmade crafts and artwork from local artisans in the central courtyard.
Evening Cultural Shows
Enjoy traditional Uzbek music, dance, and dinner performances in the courtyard after sunset.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Evening Performances & Souvenirs
Unique Architectural Marvel
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Rare Imagery
The facade's unique mosaics with birds and deer are a photographer's dream! :camerawithflash:
🛍️ Shop for Local Crafts
The courtyard is filled with stalls selling beautiful handmade souvenirs. :shopping_bags:
🎶 Enjoy Evening Performances
Don't miss the traditional music and dance shows held here in the evenings. :musical_score:
🚶♀️ Explore Lyabi Hauz
It's part of the beautiful Lyabi Hauz ensemble, so explore the surrounding area too! :world_map:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Rare Imagery
The facade's unique mosaics with birds and deer are a photographer's dream! :camerawithflash:
🛍️ Shop for Local Crafts
The courtyard is filled with stalls selling beautiful handmade souvenirs. :shopping_bags:
🎶 Enjoy Evening Performances
Don't miss the traditional music and dance shows held here in the evenings. :musical_score:
🚶♀️ Explore Lyabi Hauz
It's part of the beautiful Lyabi Hauz ensemble, so explore the surrounding area too! :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Nodir Devon Begi Madrasah's stunning and rare mosaic facade, calling it a highlight of Bukhara. The lively courtyard with artisan shops and the enchanting evening cultural performances are frequently praised, offering a rich blend of history, art, and Uzbek traditions. Some note that it's primarily a tourist-focused venue today.
"Nodir Devonbegi Madrasah is one of the most beautiful monuments in Bukhara, located near Lyabi Hauz square. The facade is stunning with unique tile work showing peacocks, sun, and deer which is very rare in Islamic architecture. Inside the courtyard, you will find small souvenir shops and in the evening cultural shows with traditional dance, music, and dinner are organized here. It is a perfect place to enjoy history, architecture, and Uzbek culture together."
Kaif Kamran
"Located in the old city of Bukhara this beautiful mosaic ornament monument was built in 1622 Inside the courtyard many local artisans displayed their handmade artwork You can find many local artists selling their handpainted drawings and handiworks"
Jason L
"Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah (1622-23).
The Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah, located at the Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble, was originally built as a caravanserai in 1623 by Nadir Divan-Begi, the vizier and uncle of Imamk.uli Khan. According to legend, when the khan passed by and praised the “beautiful madrasah,” the builders quickly converted it into a religious school, as the khan’s word could not be wrong.
The madrasah was constructed facing the Nadir Divan-Begi Khanaka, forming a traditional kosh layout (two structures opposite each other). However, the layout appears less symmetrical due to the pool and parkland separating them.
Built on a square base approximately 70 meters wide, the madrasah lacks large classrooms, reflecting its original purpose as a caravanserai. The two-story structure surrounds a central courtyard, and the rooms were likely used mainly for student housing, with corner chambers possibly repurposed for study or prayer.
What makes the madrasah truly unique is its ornate façade, decorated with vibrant mosaics and majolica tilework. Remarkably, it features two large Simurgh (Humo) birds—mythical Persian creatures akin to phoenixes—facing the sun and surrounded by deer. Such imagery is rare in Islamic architecture, where animal depictions were generally discouraged, making this madrasah a striking and unusual example of creative artistic expression."
Lefteris Stamatelatos
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The madrasah is centrally located in Bukhara's old city, near the Lyabi Hauz square. It's easily accessible on foot if you're staying in the historic center. Taxis are also readily available for longer distances within Bukhara.
Yes, it's a key part of the Lyabi Hauz ensemble, which includes the Lyabi Hauz pond, Kukeldash Madrasah, and Nadir Divan-Begi Khanaka. Exploring the entire ensemble is highly recommended.
Walking is the best way to explore the historic center, including the madrasah. Many attractions are clustered together. Consider downloading an offline map.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the courtyard and to view the facade is generally free. However, there might be a fee for attending the evening cultural performances or for specific exhibitions.
The courtyard is typically accessible during daylight hours. Evening performances usually start after sunset. It's best to check locally for exact timings, especially for shows.
Yes, the courtyard is lined with shops selling traditional Uzbek handicrafts, ceramics, textiles, and more. It's a great place to find unique gifts.
Yes, there is usually a separate fee for the evening cultural performances which often include dinner. Prices can vary, so inquire on-site.
📸 📸 Photography
The ornate facade with its unique mosaics is a must-capture. The courtyard offers charming shots with the artisan stalls and the architecture. Evening performances also make for dynamic photos.
Photography is generally allowed in the courtyard. For specific areas or during performances, it's always good to ask permission or check for any restrictions.
Late afternoon light can be beautiful for the facade. Evenings offer a vibrant atmosphere with performances, though lighting can be challenging.
Definitely focus on the rare tilework depicting mythical birds (Simurgh), sun faces, and deer. These are highly unusual in Islamic art.
🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience
You can admire the stunning mosaic facade, explore the courtyard with its artisan shops, and in the evening, enjoy traditional Uzbek music and dance performances.
Yes, traditional Uzbek folk music and dance shows are regularly held in the courtyard during the evenings, often accompanied by dinner.
Absolutely! The architecture, the artisan crafts, and especially the evening performances offer a rich immersion into Uzbek culture.
Originally built as a caravanserai in 1622, it was converted into a madrasah. Its facade is famous for its rare and intricate tilework, making it a unique architectural gem.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting in the late afternoon to explore the courtyard before the evening shows begin. This allows children to see the details of the architecture without the crowds of a performance. The open courtyard space also provides some room for them to move around.
📸 Photographers
The courtyard provides opportunities for capturing candid shots of artisans at work and the bustling atmosphere. In the evening, the performances offer dynamic subjects, though low-light photography can be challenging. Experiment with different angles and times of day to get the most out of this visually rich location.
🛍️ Shoppers & Culture Enthusiasts
Beyond shopping, the evening cultural shows offer a deep dive into Uzbek traditions. The music and dance are lively and colorful, providing an unforgettable cultural experience. Combine your visit with exploring the surrounding Lyabi Hauz ensemble for a comprehensive cultural immersion.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Uniqueness and History
The madrasah is part of the larger Lyabi Hauz Ensemble, a popular social and cultural hub. Its construction faced the Nadir Divan-Begi Khanaka, forming a traditional layout, though the presence of the pond and parkland creates a less symmetrical arrangement. The two-story structure surrounds a central courtyard, with rooms likely serving as student housing.
Today, the madrasah is not just a historical site but a living heritage space. It actively hosts cultural events, making it a dynamic destination that bridges the past with the present. Its unique artistic expression continues to captivate visitors.
Experiencing the Courtyard and Evening Shows
As dusk settles, the courtyard takes on a magical ambiance with the commencement of traditional Uzbek cultural performances. These shows typically feature captivating music, energetic folk dances, and sometimes even a traditional dinner. It's a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Uzbekistan and experience its performing arts firsthand.
Attending an evening performance is highly recommended for a complete experience of the madrasah. It offers a vibrant contrast to the historical architecture, bringing the space to life with music and movement. Be sure to inquire about show times and ticket prices upon arrival, as they can vary.
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