Ive been wanting to see the Registan since I first saw a picture of the place. The place is amazing and that is why you are getting a whole thread on it.
They are supposed to be the oldest preserved medressa's in the world, anything older having been destroyed by our old mate Jenghis Khan.
Emir Timur is pretty famous around here and so is his grandson Ulugbek. Between both of them they built, started or at least had something to do with most buildings around here. I'll show you their mausoleum tomorrow cos Im staying in a hotel right behind it.
At the Registan
Ulugbek Medressa was finished in 1420, took 3 tears to build.
Opposite is Sher Dor (Lion) Medressa finished in 1636, took 17 years to build.
Beyween is Tilla-Kari (Gold covered) Medressa finished in 1660. This one has the blue dome over a working mosque with gold leaf everywhere. The roof is flat but painted to look domed.
There is the dodgyest copper ever there. He is into every scam on the planet. He let me up one of the minaret's, for a fee. I am not allowed over waist height, have to pay inside (not out here), when I leave cant tell anyone and cant show the photos to anyone. (so dont flash them around will you). I gotta say the thing was swaying in the wind at the top. As I was leaving he stopped me again and wants to change money for me on the black market. I will see him before I leave if I need money changed. Doncha just love a dodgy cop.

Last night I went back to the Registan to get some pics with the lights on. There are lights everywhere and I thought it would be spectacular. I waited for over 2 hours in the freezing wind and they only turned on 6 lights. I walked home and when I turned into my street you will see the sight I saw. Today I got some more pics from the back. You just cant have too many pics of the Registan.