[4] It is the oldest building in Registan, the only one from the 15th century[2] and the only survivor of a wider architectural ensemble, which included several mosques, caravanserais, a bazaar, and a khanaqah (inn of Sufis).

[6] The madrasa is one of several monuments erected in Samarkand by Ulugh Beg, who was a great patron of teaching, culture, and science in the city that was the capital of the empire founded by his grandfather Timur.

[3] Ulugh Beg was himself a scholar and scientist who stood out mainly in the field of astronomy, known primarily for its highly accurate star maps, although they were made without using telescopes.

[7] This is decorated with tessellated elements that form a stunning set of "constellations", which can be interpreted as a reference to the passion of the founder of the madrasa for astronomy.

[7] In addition to the Samarkand madrasa,[3] where he was a teacher,[5] Ulugh Beg founded two others, both also known by his name; one in Bukhara and the other in G'ijduvon,[3][7] although some authors believe that these were built one of his sons, Abdal.

The outer iwan, facing Registan square, has a huge 35-foot tall pishtaq[5] (twice the height of the rest of the building) and occupies two thirds of the side of the madrasa.

The western side gives access to a long and narrow mosque, located at the rear of the madrasa,[4] where several pieces are on display, namely documents and European engravings from the 17th century.