The Comparison of the Architectural Ornamentsofthe Rigistan Square in Samarkand with theNaghsh Jahan Square in Isfahan

Abstract

What is noteworthy in the cities in Central Asia is the connected building design; at the construction of an important edifice in a city, creating a common axis penetrating them or making up a Square (Meydan) between them, as if the complex was formed. The largest example of this system is the Registan Square in Samarkand, where three Madrasas face each other around the Square.

The influence of this ancient Uzbek grand Square stretches far across the world’s cities, such as Isfahan in Iran, and Also, this public Square is seen in the Safavid monuments of Persia; the Naghsh Jahan Square in Isfahan.

The results show, although the great Registan Square is surrounded with the large Iwans of the three Madrasas, it differs from the Naghsh Jahan Square of Isfahan, Iran. It can be said that the buildings of the Registan turn outward in an exhibitive manner, in contrast to the latter, which has an introverted character like an open courtyard despite its enormousness. Persian architecture came to seek visual value more than Central Asia architecture did, and yet the architecture of the Naghsh Jahan Square shows there is no uniform approach to all architecture.