Describe a famous building in your country

I would like to describe the Registan in Samarkand, which is probably the most famous group of buildings in Uzbekistan. It is a large public square surrounded on three sides by tall, beautiful madrasas, which were religious schools in the past.

What you notice first is the colour. The walls are covered with blue, turquoise and gold tiles, arranged in extremely detailed patterns, and the huge arched entrances make you feel very small. In the evening, when the lights come on, the whole square looks almost unreal. Originally the madrasas were used for teaching mathematics, astronomy and other subjects, and the square was also a place for markets and public announcements. Today it is mainly a tourist attraction, though sometimes concerts and festivals are held there.

I think the building is famous for a few reasons. First of all, it is a perfect example of Central Asian architecture and a reminder of the time when Samarkand was an important centre of science and trade along the Silk Road. Second, it has survived for roughly six hundred years, despite earthquakes and wars, and a great deal of careful restoration work has kept it in excellent condition. Finally, it has become a symbol of our country, and its image appears on banknotes and in almost every travel brochure. I first visited with my school when I was twelve, and I still remember how amazed I was. Every time I go back, I notice some new detail that I had missed.