Kamol Qozi Madrasa

History and architecture

The madrasa was built in 1830–1832, during the reign of Muhammad Ali Khan (Madali Khan), with money from Kamol, the qazi or judge of Kokand; children of the local nobility studied here. It follows the classic Kokand plan: single-storey cells around a 20-metre-square courtyard, a four-column iwan mosque and a lecture hall. The portal, with cylindrical corner towers and domed lanterns, is entirely covered in mosaic tiles that combine geometric patterns with Arabic inscriptions. The lecture room sits above the vestibule, with a balcony overlooking the main facade. The interiors are decorated with ganch and hand painting, while the outer walls of fired brick were left unplastered, as on many public buildings. Closed in the Soviet period, the madrasa was later restored and placed on the national heritage list.