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THE GREAT WISDOM AND LESSON OF USING THE VERSES OF THE SURAH
"AN-NAHL" FROM THE HOLY QUR'AN AS A CONCEPTUAL BASIS IN THE
DECORATION OF THE SHERDAR MADRASAH
Saidakhbor Sobitovich Bulatov
Professor of the Nizami State Pedagogical University,
Academician of the Russian International Academy of Pedagogical
Sciences and the International Scientific Academy "Antique World",
Academician of the Turanian Academy of Sciences,
Member of the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan,
Union of Artists, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences,
T: 97- 344-19-52 bsaidaxbor@mail.ru
Annotation:
In this article, the translation and classification of the epigraphic inscriptions of
the Sherdar madrasa, one of the monuments in the Registan complex in Samarkand, is
described as an important place in the logical study of our great cultural heritage and its
promotion.
Keywords:
nahl, sura, Sherdar madrasa, hattolik, epigraphy, types of letters, peshtoq, Arabic
script, suls, Kufic, toqi, bouquet, architecture, idea, rabat, symbol, emblem, pattern, room,
divine, blue color, logic, geometric, decoration.
The beauty and charm of the Samarkand Sogdian are so famous that there is no need to
argue about it.
Hafiz Abru
For centuries, Samarkand has been famous for its unique historical monuments and beautiful
architectural monuments. It is natural that tourists visiting this ancient city, along with the
magnificent and colorful patterns of the monuments, are also interested in the inscriptions on
their facades. It is extremely interesting for both our compatriots and tourists to know what these
inscriptions mean.
The famous Chilean poet Pablo Neruda wrote: "I was especially fascinated by the Registan. This
architectural ensemble is more beautiful than all the monuments I have seen in the entire Muslim
East. It testifies to the high culture of the peoples of Central Asia"
.
Each of the dynasties that ruled Uzbekistan contributed to shaping its architectural style in
its time. Most of the historical monuments have not been preserved or have been completely
1
Samarkand. Foreword by V.A. Bulatova, G.V. Shishkina. – T., G.Ghulam Literature and Art Publishing House,
1986. 19 – p.
2
Neruda. Yellowed pages. 52-6. Uzbekistan offenses: Samarkand. Registon // Toshkent: "Uzbekistan Today" AA,
2015. - 368 p.
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rebuilt.
. For example, one of the first researchers of the architectural monuments of Samarkand
and Bukhara (including the unique inscriptions in them), the young reformer Muso Saidjanov,
wrote as early as 1929: “The inscriptions on the monuments of Samarkand and Bukhara are an
unread book, they contain a lot of historical information from different eras, and such unique
rules cannot be found in other sources, including manuscripts”
In Uzbekistan, the architectural decorations of the Middle Ages are another opportunity to
understand our identity, roots, past, and spiritual history of our ancestors, which is clearly
reflected not only in architectural monuments, but also in masterpieces of art, especially in
amazing examples of calligraphy called epigraphy
The use of "epigraphy" (Greek - writing) in architecture was carried out based on the religious
beliefs and views of the respective region or nation. Epigraphy (Greek - writing) is the
inscriptions (inscriptions) on solid objects - stone, metal, ceramic, etc. Epigraphic inscriptions
were made by calligraphers (Fig. 1).
Figure 1. Inscription at the entrance to the tomb of Qusam ibn Abbas. The Prophet, peace be
upon him, who was from the Hashemite dynasty, the Quraysh tribe, and a native of Mecca and
Medina, said: "Among people, Qusam ibn Abbas is the most similar to me in appearance and
character".
Calligraphy is the art of writing (calligraphy) in Arabic, the profession of copying books and
creating inscriptions for architectural structures and artistic works. The emergence of writing has
resulted in
Three famous rulers in history - Amir Temur, Ulugbek Mirzo, and Amir Yalangtosh Bahadur -
transformed Samarkand into the "Gem of the Earth" with the architectural monuments they built.
Amir Temur turned Samarkand into the capital and began the construction of a series of
magnificent buildings, while Registan Square, considered the heart of the city, was created
during the reign of Ulugbek Mirzo. (At that time, this square was called "Sardavonak", which
roughly means "Sari joyi davonak" - "Head of a fast-flowing stream"). Ulugbek created a unique
bouquet of monuments on this square, consisting of three buildings: a madrasah, a khanaqoh, and
a caravanserai
3
Monuments of Uzbekistan: Inscriptions. Bukhara. Part 1. T.: “Uzbekistoh today” 2016, p. 17.
4
Saidjanov M. Historical monuments of Bukhara. "Registan" - Education and Teacher. 1929. No. 1-2. Page 3.
5
Masterpieces of Inscriptions in the Monuments of Uzbekistan. "Forum of Culture and Art of Uzbekistan",
Tashkent, 2011. p. 9
6
Saipova M.S. Symbolism. (Textbook), "Fan and technological publishing house" 2021. 84 pages.
7
Bulatov S.S., Pulatova M. The Philosophy of the Universe in Beauty. (Monograph). T.: "Economy-Finance". 2013.
p. 39.
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The famous Chilean poet Pablo Neruda wrote: "I was especially fascinated by the Registan. This
architectural complex is more beautiful than all the monuments I have seen in the entire Muslim
East. It testifies to the high culture of the peoples of Central Asia"
.
During his time, Yalangtosh Bahadur also built the Sherdor and Tillakori madrasas on the site of
the ruined khanaqoh and caravanserai, without destroying the structure of this architectural
complex built by Ulugbek. It is worth mentioning that the gold used to build the mosque of the
Tillokor Madrasah could have been used to build a large monument (that is why the madrasah
was called Tillakori, meaning "made of gold")
.
Yalangtoshbiy Bahadur, who built the Sherdor and Tillakori madrasas, could afford to build even
more magnificent monuments. We mention this word because, according to some foreign and
local monument experts, the masters of his time were not capable of creating monuments that
were merely copies of the monuments of Ulugbek Mirzo, supposedly in a different style.
However, the Sherdor and Tillakori madrasas are among the most beautiful monuments adorning
the city of Samarkand. Yalangtoshbiy Bahadur, who considered his "Olchin" clan no less than
the "Barlos" clan of the Temurids, humbly copied the layout of the Ulugbek madrasa for his
monuments out of respect for the Temurids (Figs. 2, 3).
Figure 2. Sherdar madrasa. Early 20th century.
8
Neruda. Pojeltevshie stranitsy. 52-6. Inscriptions in the monuments of Uzbekistan: Samarkand. Registan //
Tashkent: "Uzbekistan Today" AA, 2015. - 368 p.
9
Bulatov S.S., Pulatova M. The Philosophy of the Universe in Beauty. (Monograph). T.: "Economy-Finance". 2013.
p. 39.
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Figure 3.
Naming
of parts
of
Sherdar Madrasa. 1. Peshtok 2. Kitaba 3. Ravok 4. Bouquet 5. Kanos
In other words, he wanted to build a bouquet of various monuments in Registan Square
.
The governor of Samarkand, Bahadir Yalangtoshbi, did not intend to surpass Ulugbek's
madrasah in building this building. On the contrary, he continued the noble deeds of Sultan
Ulugbek as a symbol of his boundless respect. The main facade of the Sherdor Madrasah
contains divine words, verses and hadiths about the glorification of Allah and His Messenger
Muhammad. They are so beautifully and charmingly crafted that it is difficult to separate the
inscriptions from the beautiful patterns. The art of calligraphy has transformed these ornate
inscriptions into unique works of art. It is understood from the inscriptions in the Sherdor
Madrasah that this madrasah was built by Amir Yalangtoshbi Bahadir with the consent of
Khovan Imamkuli Muhammadkhan. It was completed in 1042 AH (1619 AD). The verses of the
Surah "An-Nahl" from the Holy Quran were taken as the basis for the construction of the
madrasah
.
For example, there is a dedication inscription on the Peshtak. When translated, it gives the
following meaning: “This high school of knowledge was founded during the reign of the great
Khagan, the great king of the Yalovbard dynasty. Allah Almighty says in His great Book:
“Indeed, Allah commands justice, good deeds, and kindness to relatives” (Surah An-Nahl, verse
90 of the Holy Quran). Allah said it right. And he (Khagan) Imamquli Muhammadjan tried (to
build this building) and the great emir Yalangtosh Bahadir, the builder of this building, took the
initiative because he was interested in founding the abodes of goodness (that is, these dargahs of
knowledge). The completion of the construction and decoration of the building corresponds to
the date 1042 (1632)" (Fig. 4).
Inscriptions in the Ulugbek, Sherdor and Tillakori madrasas were written in Kufic, Suls, and
Nastaq script, and the masters of that time demonstrated their skills and talents. Although the
inscriptions mainly consist of verses of the Holy Qur'an and hadiths, the inscriptions related to
10
Kattaev K. Makhdumi Azam and Daxbed. - Samarkand: Sugdiyona. 1994, B. 49-53
11
Bulatov S.S., Pulatova M. The Philosophy of the Universe in Beauty. (Monograph). T.: "Economy-Finance". 2013.
p. 39.
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the history of the madrasah are also preserved in their original state on the inner arched wall
between the main facade
In decorating the Sherdor Madrasah in Samarkand, the saint Khoji Hashimi Dahbedi, the
mentor of Yalangtoshbiy Bakhodir, very correctly selected the logical solution and system of
epigraphic patterns, choosing the main conceptual basis from the "Surah An-Nahl" of the Holy
Quran.
The question arises: What is the great wisdom and lesson in taking the verses of Surah An-Nahl
from the Holy Quran as a conceptual basis for decorating the Sherdor Madrasah? Until now, no
answer has been found to this question. We will try to answer this question.
Figure 4. Sherdor Madrasah. Dedicatory inscription on the facade. Epigraphic depiction of the
Surah "An-Nahl" from the Holy Quran.
In life, one is amazed that such wise people lived around us, logically understanding that the
world became more beautiful through their efforts. Indeed, the universe and everything in it were
created perfectly and were given tasks to perform by Allah. What would happen if there were no
12
Hasanov K., Marufi B. The monuments of Registan or when inscriptions entered the language //
Literature and Art of Uzbekistan. 2008. December 19.
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mountains, flies, bees, and others on Earth? For example, world scientists have proven that if
bees were not on the planet for 10 years, there would be no life. We found the answer to the
above question in the verses of the Holy Quran, Surah An-Nahl. Surah An-Nahl of our Holy
Quran consists of 128 verses, and in verses 68 and 69 it is said about bees:
“(O Muhammad!) Your Lord inspired the bees: ‘Make nests in the mountains and the trees and
whatever they build”
.
“
Then eat of the fruits and follow the paths which your Lord has made easy for you. From their
bellies comes forth a drink of various colors, which is a healing for mankind. Indeed, in that is a
sign for a people who reflect
”
.
Figure 5. Analysis by Allok that bees were created based on the golden section.
If we analyze the bees from all sides. It is possible to see that Allah did not divide the bees in
vain and that their forms were created based on the golden ratio and that they were assigned
tasks by Allah (Fig. 5.). First of all, let us consider Surah An-Nahl, which means bees. “It was
given this name because the Surah contains verses about the exemplary lifestyle of bees. The
Surah repeatedly reminds us of the Day of Judgment and calls for thorough preparation for that
Day. As in other Surahs, it condemns vices such as polytheism, disbelief, and ingratitude, and
encourages faith, belief, gratitude, and righteous deeds”
Let us consider the metaphorical meanings of these two verses. “Allah Almighty’s
revelation to animals, including bees, is an inspiration to them. When Allah Almighty created the
bees, He endowed them with a sense of feeling and inspiration, so they perform the task assigned
to them with a precision that many intelligent people cannot. For example, it makes its home in
mountains, trees, and things like the trunks of trees that people have picked up”
As the bee is sent perfectly in the world, it gathers honey without ceasing, it sows the seeds of
goodness. There are people in the world who, like bees, do not know what silence is, they study,
learn and teach others what they have learned, and continue to search.
With the advice of Hazrat Hashimhojjai Dahbedi, the mentor of Yalangtoshbi Bahadir, a
representative of the Naqshbandi order, it was determined that Yalangtoshbi Bahadir is
symbolically compared to bees through the Surah "Nahl". By likening Yalangtoshbi Bahadir to
bees, he teaches people that the transience of this world calls for each person to learn only good
lessons and leave only good deeds behind. After verses 68 and 69 of Surah An-Nahl in the Holy
Quran, verse 70 is not dedicated to humans in vain. Now, it is explained why Allah created
humans and what tasks were assigned to them, and that they are not eternal in this mortal world,
and that the servant will certainly be held accountable in the Hereafter, so he is called to
13
Nahl - bees. (The Holy Quran. Translation and commentary by Abdulaziz Mansur. Printing house of the "Sharq"
publishing and printing joint-stock company. 2000. p. 267)
14
Holy Quran. Surah Nahl, verse 68.
15
Holy Quran. Surah Nahl, verse 69.
16
The Holy Quran. Translation and annotations by Abdulaziz Mansur. Printing house of the "Sharq" Publishing and
Printing Joint Stock Company. 2000. 267 pages.
17
Sheikh Muhammad Sadiq Muhammad Yusuf. Tafsiri Hilal. 3rd part, Corrected and supplemented reprint. - T.:
"Hilal-Nashr", 2018. Pages 345-346.
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understand himself and walk on the path of goodness. In verse 70 of Surah An-Nahl in the Holy
Quran, it is said:
"Allah created you, then He causes you to die. And among you are some who, after having
acquired knowledge, are returned to the lowest stage of life, so that they know nothing. Indeed,
Allah is Knowing, Able"
Now let's look at the description of verse 70 of Surah An-Nahl. The Creator of humans is Allah.
That is why humans should be grateful, have faith, and worship their Creator. But most people
do not do this. They become ungrateful, disbelievers, and disobedient. Everyone should know
this. Of course, the One who caused death will also hold an account. One should be prepared for
this before death. This should also be thought about. If things are according to man's will, it is
clear that man does not want to die, to grow old, lose his mind, and become useless. But death
and old age come without asking him. As people learn from death, they must learn from old age.
He knows everything. He has power over everything
.
The inscriptions of the Sherdor Madrasah, along with guiding and enlightening the people,
are considered rare examples of 17th-century calligraphic art.
The translations and classifications of the inscriptions of the monuments of the Registan complex
- the Ulugbek Madrasah, the Sherdor and Tillakori Madrasahs - play an important role in the
logical study of our great cultural heritage and its promotion. In recent years, as a result of
research carried out at the initiative of our head of state, calligraphy has been restored on many
monuments, architectural monuments, and examples of applied art. However, there are still many
inscriptions in Uzbekistan whose meaning has not been revealed and whose style has not been
studied. One of the important tasks facing our scientists is to study them in a comprehensive,
logical, scientifically based manner.
Yalangtoshbiy Bohodirbek also travels through the gardens of knowledge in this transient world,
collects “honey” from the nectar of yellow flowers and shares it with other people around him.
The life and work of the commander should be an example for us. He learned knowledge from
his guru and left us examples of exemplary behavior in this mortal world. He lived in the mortal
world as a humble person who achieved high positions and ranks in two worlds by doing the
deeds commanded by Allah. His footprints on earth created a garden of divine beauty in heaven.
People are still enjoying the divinely beautiful gardens he created.
Yalangtoshbiy Bohodirbek, a true patriot and son of Samarkand, who played a huge
positive role in the historical and cultural life of Uzbekistan, lies peacefully in his grave in
Dahbed, waiting for the restoration of his history and values
.
List of used literature.
1. Samarkand. Foreword by V.A. Bulatova, G.V. Shishkina. - T., G. Ghulam Publishing
House of Literature and Art, 1986. .19 - p.
2. Neruda. Yellowed pages. 52-6. Inscriptions on the monuments of Uzbekistan: Samarkand.
Registan / F. Abdukholikov, E. Rtveladze, A-81 A. Khakimov, B. Abdukhdlimov, B. Bobozhov,
A. Mansurov, A. Mannonov, N. Mukhamedov, A. Razzokov, K. Rakhimov, B. Marufi. //
Tashkent: "Uzbekistan Today" AA, 2015. - 368 p.
Monuments of Uzbekistan inscriptions. Bukhara. Part 1. T.: "Uzbekistoh today" 2016, 9, 17 p.
Saidjonov M. Historical monuments of Bukhara. "Registan" - Education and teacher. 1929. No.
1-2. p. 3
Bulatov S.S., Pulatova M. Philosophy of the universe in beauty. (Monography). T.:
"Economics-finance". 2013. p. 39.
Saipova M.S. Symbolism. (Textbook), "Fan and Technological Publishing House" 2021. p.
84. Kattaev K. Makhdumi Azam and Dakhbed. - Samarkand: Sogdiana. 1994, P. 49-53
18
Шайх Муҳаммад Содиқ Муҳаммад Юсуф. Тафсири Ҳилол. 3-жуз, Тузатилган ва тўлдирилган қайта нашр.-
Т.: “Ҳилол-Нашр”, 2018 йил. 347-бет.
19
Шайх Муҳаммад Содиқ Муҳаммад Юсуф. Тафсири Ҳилол. 3-жуз, Тузатилган ва тўлдирилган қайта нашр.-
Т.: “Ҳилол-Нашр”, 2018 йил. 347-бет.
20
Каттаев К. Махдуми Аъзам ва Дахбед. -Самарқанд: Суғдиёна. 1994, 53-бет.
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Masterpieces of inscriptions in Uzbek monuments. "Forum of Culture and Art of Uzbekistan",
Tashkent, 2011. p. 47.
Hasanov K., Marufi B. When the monuments of Registan or inscriptions came into the
language // Literature and art of Uzbekistan. 2008. December 19.
Nahl - bees. (The Holy Quran. Translation and annotations by Abdulaziz Mansur. Printing
house of the "Sharq" publishing and printing joint-stock company. 2000. p. 267)
10. The Holy Quran. Surah Nahl, verses 68-69.
11. The Holy Quran. Translation and annotations by Abdulaziz Mansur. Printing house of the
"Sharq" publishing and printing joint-stock company. 2000. p. 267.
12. Sheikh Muhammad Sadiq Muhammad Yusuf. Tafsir Hilal. Volume 3, Corrected and
supplemented reprint.-T.: "Hilal-Nashr", 2018. p. 345-347.
13. Kattaev K. Makhdumi Azam and Dahbed. - Samarkand: Sogdiana. 1994, p. 53.
