Sher-Dor Madrasa

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Sher-Dor Madrasa

The Sher-Dor Madrasa is a 17th‑century Islamic school in the historic center of Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The name means “with lions,” referring to the tiger‑lion mosaics on its façade. It was built between 1619 and 1636 by Yalangtush Bakhodur, a local ruler under the Ashtarkhanid (Janid) dynasty. Along with the Ulugh Beg and Tilya Kori madrassas, it forms the Registan, the ancient heart of the city. The madrasa is famous for its colorful tile decorations and plant‑themed paintings, and it is a popular tourist attraction. Samarkand is a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name “Samarkand – Crossroad of Cultures.”