Madrasah Kukeldash in Bukhara - the largest madrasah in Central Asia
Kukeldash Madrasah was built in Bukhara in 1568 during the reign of the then khan of the Sheibanid dynasty, Abdullahan II. The Muslim educational institution received its name in honor of Nizam al-mulk Kulbaba Kukeldash, a high-ranking official engaged in police activities. Kulbaba Kukeldash was one of the close associates of the khan and therefore was awarded this honor as a sign of respect for his services.
The largest madrasah in Central Asia occupies an area of 86 x 69 meters and has 160 cells in its territory - specially designated rooms for students intended for housing and recreation. The interior of the madrasah is variously decorated with majolica (colored burnt clay) and blue mosaic.
This educational institution is located near the famous in Bukhara Lyabi-khauz pond - an artificial reservoir of the XVI century, which became a real landmark of the city. In Kukeldash madrasah, a well-known Uzbek and Tajik writer, scholar and public figure - Sadriddin Aini, once studied. Most of his works have become known around the world, and were also translated into many languages. Creativity of the writer was highly appreciated by such outstanding poets as Samuil Marshak and Ivan Dzyuba.
Interesting facts about the madrasah
1. There are reports that in the XVIII century the madrasah was modernized and turned into a caravanserai - a night's lodging for travelers and traders of the Great Silk Road. Here they stopped to spend a night and give a rest to the pack animals.
2. Currently in the madrasah there is a museum of the famous Central Asian writer Sadriddin Aini. The museum is rich in objects from the life of the writer, as well as a variety of manuscripts, interesting for many tourists from different countries.
