The Registan, which means ‘Sandy Place’ was a commercial centre during the medieval times and the heart of the ancient city of Samarkand where people gathered to hear the royal proclamations. It is framed by three medressas (historic Islamic schools) that glitter at dawn and dusk in shades of the Silk Road. These architectural gems were built during the Timurid dynasty and include Ulugh Beg Medressa (1417-1420), Tilya-Kori Medressa (1646-1660) and the Sher-Dor Medress (1619-1636).