Norbutabek Madrasah, Kokand

The Norbutabek Madrasah, also known as the Madrasah-i Mir, is a significant architectural and historical monument that stands as a vivid testament to the power and grandeur of the Kokand Khanate at its peak, just over two centuries ago. At that time, Kokand was a flourishing cultural, commercial, and economic hub in Fergana Valley, and the construction of this madrasah further underscored the region’s prosperity and development.

History

Abdulhamid Norbut-biy ascended the throne in 1763 at the age of just 14. Despite his youth, he pursued a steady and confident policy that led to the expansion and consolidation of the Kokand Khanate. Narbut-bi ruled for 35 years, a period remembered by historians as one of stability and prosperity. He placed particular emphasis on education, and it was under his leadership that the Norbutabek Madrasah was founded - becoming a symbol of cultural and intellectual revival in the region.

Architecture

The Norbutabek Madrasah represents a classic example of Central Asian Islamic architecture. This one-story building features a spacious courtyard surrounded by khujras (student cells). The entrance is marked by a grand portal adorned with blue majolica, decorated with delicate linear and floral motifs. Rounded guldasta towers frame the corners of the outer walls, while inside the courtyard, directly opposite the entrance, stand a mosque and a khanaka topped with striking blue domes.

Cultural Significance

For over 200 years, the Norbutabek Madrasah has served not only as an educational institution but also as a vibrant intellectual and spiritual center. It hosted discussions on philosophy and theology, public lectures, poetry readings, and scholarly debates. These gatherings played a crucial role in the exchange of ideas and the preservation of cultural traditions. Over the decades, the madrasah became a place where the region’s intellectual elite took shape, and where both religious and secular knowledge were cultivated and passed on.