Abdul Aziz Khan Madrasah

The Abdul Aziz Khan Madrasah, completed in 1652, represents the zenith of decorative arts in Bukhara's architectural heritage and stands as one of the most lavishly ornamented educational buildings in Central Asia. Built by Abdul Aziz Khan, the ruler of Bukhara from 1645 to 1680, this madrasah was designed to surpass all previous educational institutions in both architectural grandeur and artistic refinement.

The madrasah's interior decoration is breathtaking in its complexity and beauty, featuring intricate papier-mâché (kundal) work, elaborate carved and painted wooden elements, and stunning ceramic tilework that covers virtually every surface. The building showcases the highest level of craftsmanship achieved by Bukhara's artisans during the 17th century, with geometric patterns, floral motifs, and Arabic calligraphy combining to create a visual symphony of Islamic art. The two-story structure surrounds a rectangular courtyard, with the main entrance portal displaying particularly fine tilework in blues, whites, and golds. 

Unlike many other madrasahs in Bukhara, this building has retained much of its original
interior decoration, allowing visitors to experience the full splendor of a 17th-century Islamic educational institution. The madrasah faces the earlier Ulugh Beg Madrasah across a small square, creating an architectural dialogue between different periods of Bukhara's history.