AHistoryIndependent states
The Ashtarkhanid (Janid) State (1599-1747)
A state founded in Bukhara by a Genghisid dynasty from Astrakhan, under which the Sher-Dor and Tilla-Kari madrasas of the Registan were built.
The dynasty traces its roots to the khans of Astrakhan. After Russia took Astrakhan in 1556, part of the family moved to Bukhara and married into the Shaybanids. When the last Shaybanid khan died, the sons of Jani Muhammad took power in 1599, which is why the dynasty is called both Ashtarkhanid and Janid.
The longest and calmest reign was that of Imam Quli Khan (1611-1642). In this period Yalangtush Bahadur, governor of Samarkand, built the Sher-Dor (1619-1636) and Tilla-Kari (1646-1660) madrasas on the Registan square. Both are symbols of Samarkand today.
In the 18th century central power weakened as emirs and tribal chiefs grew stronger. In 1740 the Iranian ruler Nadir Shah made Bukhara his vassal. In 1747 the last real ruler, Abu'l-Fayz Khan, was killed and power passed to atalyqs of the Manghit tribe. A few Janids remained khans in name after that.
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Updated: November 10, 2026