Dust motes dance in the shafts of sunlight that pierce the stillness of the Mullo Tursunjon Madrasah. This forgotten place whispers tales of scholars and seekers. Today, we stand before a silent sentinel of Bukhara’s rich past. This is the Mullo Tursunjon Madrasah abandoned.
The Mullo Tursunjon Madrasah, also known as Domullo Tursunjon Madrasasi, stands as a two-story testament to Bukhara’s architectural heritage. Its story began in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Construction started between 1796 and 1797 or perhaps a little later between 1805 and 1806. Domullo Tursunjon, a Bukharan merchant, initiated the project. Sadly, he did not live to see its completion.
Amir Haydar, who ruled the Bukhara Emirate from 1800 to 1826, stepped in to fulfill Tursunjon’s wish. He completed the Mullo Tursunjon Madrasah. This act ensured its place in Bukhara’s skyline.
Look closely. The Mullo Tursunjon Madrasah reflects the architectural style of Central Asia. It is built with baked bricks, wood, stone, and ganch. Ganch is a type of plaster. The Mullo Tursunjon Madrasah symmetrical facade features a grand arch. This arch creates a central court. Two turrets soften the building’s rectangular outline.
Imagine students once filling the 97 rooms or hujras. Each room housed two students. The Mullo Tursunjon Madrasah was one of Bukhara’s largest and most prestigious institutions. It ranked among the top four madrasahs in the city. Scholars taught various subjects here. Abdurauf Fitrat noted that the Mullo Tursunjon Madrasah annual waqf amounted to 140,000 tangas. Waqf is an endowment.
The facade of the Mullo Tursunjon Madrasah is plastered. While seemingly well-maintained, behind the walls lie signs of wear. Some sections are partially collapsed. The ground floor rooms have individual exits. These exits feature double-leaf wooden doors. The second floor provides access to balconies. Arched doorways mark these exits. Windows are covered with bars.
The Mullo Tursunjon Madrasah is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a symbol of Bukhara’s enduring legacy. It shows the city’s commitment to education and culture. Though now abandoned, the Mullo Tursunjon Madrasah reminds us of a time when knowledge was treasured. It earned its place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.