DUSHANBE, July 2, 2010, Asia-Plus -- The Haji Mashhad Madrasah, an architectural relic dating from the 12th century, will open on July 6 after a five-year restoration, according to the Ministry of Culture (MoC).

The Haji Mashhad Madrasah is located in Shahritus district of Khatlon province, some 200 kilometers south of Dushanbe.

The source at a MoC says this architectural relic was restored with financial support from the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation administered by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State.  “120,000 U.S. dollars were spent for restoration of the Haji Mashhad Madrasah and the restoration work was carried out by known master Rahmatjon Salomov,” he added.