Norbutabek Madrassah and Dasturkhanchi Madrassah

North from Khamza�s museum, turn down Nabiyev St. for the Norbutabek Madrassah, a plain but imposing seminary built under Khan Norbuta in 1796 and completed in 1799. Unique among Kokand�s religious institutions, the madrassah functioned in the Soviet era. Teachers of Arabic and the Koran inhabit eight rooms in the main facade. Only male Muslim visitors may enter the inner courtyard of 36 study cells for up to 200 male students, aged from 15 to 25. Female tourists (even non-Muslim) can experience a girl�s Islamic education at a nearby girl�s madrassah, the Dasturkhanchi. Built (for men) in 1833, it was restored this century and in 1992 opened its doors to 60 girls aged from 15 to 20. Traditional textual studies are augmented with lessons in domesticity and embroidery. Take the lane opposite Nabiyev St to 20 Tinchlik St. Follow the twisting paths on past mud-walled houses and small parish mosques, to return to Mukimi Park.