If we turn the pages of history, we will witness that not only famous scientists, writers, poets and philosophers, but also wise businessmen have lived in Bukhara...
According to historical sources, Nadir was one of such sharp-witted people, who worked as the minister of financial affairs in the palace of Imam Qulikhan (1611-1642), managed trade and tax collection in the country, compiled a list of taxes, and received labels from ambassadors. He tells the following about Devonbegi.
In the Middle Ages, the reputation of Bukhara as a place where science developed increased even more. Therefore, Nadir Devonbegi is invited to Afghanistan in order to exchange experience in religious and secular knowledge. Being very intelligent and knowledgeable, his voice reached India and he taught science to Indians for two years. In return for these services, the Indian king Nadir gave Devonbegi two very rare and precious gems, a candlestick. While returning to his homeland, Nadir Devonbegi also entered Afghanistan. Seeing the strange gem, Nadirbek, the Afghan king, offers to sell these precious stones. He will not agree. Nodirbek returns to Bukhara happily, and Imamquli Khan, who appreciated his services, presents his daughter to the minister.
Trade was flourishing during this period. Caravans went to Russia, Iran, China and India, they even reached Western Europe through Bukhara. Swords, knives, shields, and helmets made by Bukhara masters, studded with precious stones and covered with gold and silver patterns were very popular, and because of this, the status of Imam Qulikhan also increased. During his time, large water facilities were built. The old ones were renovated. The production of agricultural products has improved significantly. During the time of Imam Quli Khan, great attention was paid to the construction of mosques and madrasas, as well as to the field of science and art. History testifies that he built a wooden staircase with gold and silver handles for the threshold of one of the gates at the entrance to the Kaaba in the city of Medina.
Nadir Devonbegi was one of the people who was respected by the people as a direct participant in these good deeds. However, one sadness gnawed at the minister from the inside and did not give him peace either night or day: he was childless. One day, the wedding of the pilot's son took place in the palace with great luxury and pomp. Devonbegi's wife, who attended the wedding along with other women, returned home very sad and poured out her grief to Nodirbek: It's been ten years since we started a family, but we haven't had children. After the death of others, a child is left behind and lights their lamp. What about us?! We didn't dream, we didn't have children... Who is all this wealth for?! Who and what will be left after us?!
It is as if salt is sprinkled on the wound of the enemy. He went out without a hitch all night. In the morning, he begins to see the hesitation of the Afghanistan trip...
Knowing about Nadir Devonbegi's knowledge, the Afghan king welcomes him with great respect. Nodirbek to the king:
You wanted to buy a gem lamp from me. "I agree," he says.
Benazir, in exchange for a precious stone, the Afghan king gives her a large amount of gold, and Nadirbek returns to Bukhara. Gathering masters-architects who have gained fame as leaders in their field, he orders to build a pool, a room and a Madrasa in front of the Kokaldosh madrasa. Thus, in 1620, a pool and a house were built. This pool is one of the largest pools in the city, 36 m. x 45.5 m. has a volume and a depth of 5 meters.
If you go along the Shahrud stream, on the left is the Khanakah, and on the right is the Nadir Devonbegi madrasa, built in 1622. A pool is built between them. Although the Madrasah and the house are of average size and built in a simple shape, the pool, the house and the Madrasa, i.e. the Labi Hovuz ensemble, together acquire extraordinary elegance and beauty.
At the entrance to the madrasa, the upper and side parts of the gate are skillfully depicted with the help of an elegant mosaic of the legendary semurg birds seeking the sun.
After the completion of the Labi Hovuz ensemble, in the early morning, when the dew has not yet left the grass and leaves, and the sun is rising from its shelter, Nadir Devonbegi takes his wife and goes for a walk, pointing to the built buildings and saying:
You told me who and what will be left after us. After us, this beauty, which has a good name and a priceless gem worth a candle, will remain.
Here, Madrasa, which was built several centuries ago by the efforts of entrepreneur Nadir Devonbegi, is adding beauty to the beauty of our city. For almost four centuries, Labi Hovuz has served as a wonderful place of recreation for Bukhara residents and tourists and guests visiting the city.
Muhammad Nadir Mirza Togai ibn Sultan - Nadir Devonbegi also did a number of good deeds in Samarkand: he built a number of structures and buildings and contributed to the improvement of the beauty of the city. In particular, he built a prayer hall 4 kilometers west of the city. 1632-1635