Registan is the combination of grateful majolica and sky-blue mosaic

Tomb Rukhabad
The tomb Rukhabad is one of the earliest surviving buildings in Samarkandof Amir Timur’s epoch. The building was built by order of Amir Timur in 1380. The word “Rukhabad” is translated as “the abode of the spirits”. The building has no front door – portal, and outside the tomb lacks bright and decorative facing.
The facades of the mausoleum from all sides are equal, but have some differences. The mausoleum is dome construction; its square is 14x12 metre and height is 24 metre. Outdoor décor is made of brick. The building has three entrances: from the north, west and south. The basis of this majestic building is a cube topped with a dome.
According to the legend, there are seven hairs of Prophet Muhammad in the dome of the mausoleum. After the construction the mausoleum Rukhabad became very popular among pilgrims and one of the most revered places of worship in Samarkand. Mosque and minaret decorated on China style were built in 1880-1882, and also separate portal for the entrance to the complex.
Nowadays there is a craft centre instead of the former madrassah, where the works of famous Samarkand masters. Here you can buy unique miniatures, jewelry boxes, wooden coasters and decorations. There are many people for Friday prayer in a small minaret of 16th century attached to the complex Rukhabad.
Samarkand Regional Museum
Samarkand Regional Museum is located in a historic mansion, built in XX century by the architect E.O.Nelle. The museum was opened in 1896.
The exposition of the museum consists of two departments: the Department of History and the Department of nature. In the history department, located on the first floor, you can see the places of the primitive man, original history of ancient times, traditional national culture and monuments of material culture of the early and late Middle Ages, as well as the customs and rituals of the people of Samarkand region.
There is a rich and diverse flora and fauna of Samarkand region in the department of nature. Here you can also see herbaria, botanical and entomological collections, landscape expositions, as well as home appliances, weapons, early manuscripts and documents, ceramic and metal items.
In Samarkand museum you have a unique opportunity to admire European furniture of XVIII- XIX century. By the assumption of specialists, furniture was belonged to the emperor Napoleon.
You will be amazed the interior beauty of the building made by the experienced craftsmen. Living room “mehmonhona” retained its original appearance, its magnificent carved ceiling is painted with oil paint, and the walls are decorated with ganch.
Today, the exhibition “Jews of the past and present” reflecting the life of Bukhara Jews of XIX-XX centuries. The building of Samarkand Regional museum is the monument of architecture and it is protected by the government.