On the Silk Road in the Central Asia region lies a town called Khiva, which is known for its stunning location. The ancient city of Khiva is located in Uzbekistan’s Khorezm Province. It is about 1,119 kilometres away from the capital city of Tashkent. This historic settlement was founded close to where the Kheyvak River is now. The historical sites of Khiva are recognised all over the globe and have been designated by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. Visitors get a sense of the culture of Central Asia via Khiva’s ancient architecture, complex woodcarvings, interwoven ornamentation, and beautiful interiors of the monuments. Khiva is located in Uzbekistan.
Some people think that Shem, Noah’s son, established the ancient city of Khiva, while others claim that Muslim migrants in the 10th century were the first people to come on this territory. Either way, there are two schools of thought on the origin of this city. According to the findings of archaeologists, Khiva has been inhabited at least since the 7th century. The year 1873 marked the beginning of the Russian Empire, which marked the beginning of the revolutionary period in Khiva. When Khiva was incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1924, a significant event happened in the city’s long and illustrious history. The year 1967 was the year when the city was officially recognised as a town-reserve.
Main Tourist Attractions of Khiva
Ichon Qala
The area known as Ichon Qala may be found in the more historic section of the city. This region is home to a number of historical sites, including the Tosh-Khovli Palace and the Kunya–Ark fortress, amongst others. The original construction of the mud walls that encircle Ichon Qala dates back to the 18th century, and they have been rebuilt several times since then. Minarets that reach into the sky, clay homes with low-pitched roofs, and the city’s four major gates—the Bukhara Gate, the Strongman Gate, the Stone Gate, and the Father’s Gate—are some of the intriguing sights that can be found here.
Kuhna Ark
In the 12th century, construction began on what would later become the city rulers’ stronghold. The Timurid Khan dynasty was responsible for the expansion that occurred much later, in the 17th century. The structure of the fort includes a number of courtyards in addition to a number of administrative and residential apartments. A museum with exhibitions of weaponry from the 17th century may be seen near the entryway. The Summer Mosque, which was constructed in this area in the 19th century and has colourful tiles, is a pleasant place to visit.
Mohammed Rakhim Khan Medressa
During the 19th century, construction began on the Mohammed Rakhim Khan Medressa. It was constructed in honour of Khan Mohammed Rakhim II, who was the last Khan to concede defeat against Russia in 1873. The structure may be seen just across from the Kuhna Ark. The magnificent ceramic work that can be observed all over the medressa makes this towering building a superb example of the architecture that was prevalent in Central Asia.
Kalta Minor Minaret
At one point in time, it was thought that this minaret was the highest edifice in all of Central Asia. One of the most notable features is the peculiar architecture of the minaret, which has ornate cylindrical belts. Plates in a variety of hues, including turquoise, green, and white, are used to construct the belts. This unfinished skyscraper has a broad range of magnificent designs that were designed by architects from Khorezm and can be seen all over the structure.
Juma Mosque
This magnificent mosque is well-known for the beautiful pillars made of wood that support its roof. An architectural idea that was common in early Arabian mosques is shown by the mosque’s use of 218 pillars for support. Even though there are some pillars that were constructed in the 10th century, the great bulk of the pillars were constructed in the 18th century. With the assistance of 81 screw footsteps, guests of the mosque are able to go to the summit of one of the minarets.
Alloquli Khan Medressa
Both the Alloquli Khan Bazaar and the Kutlimurodinok Medressa are located inside this impressive building. In the 18th century, under the reign of Alloquili Khan, the medressa was put up for construction. The entrance to the medressa is marked by a substantial wooden archway. Terracotta bars, which are very lovely, are used here to decorate the exteriors of buildings. Numerous stores selling pottery may be found in the market that is located right outside the main entrance.
Tosh-Hovli Palace
The Tosh-Hovli Palace, also known as the “Stone House,” is well-known for having exquisite interiors that are decorated with carved stones, ceramic plates, tree carvings, and ceramic tiles. Alloquli Khan was responsible for the construction of the palace between the years 1832 and 1841. The palace features a total of 150 rooms and nine courtyards, with five of those rooms being hidden. Various areas of the palace have been decorated with ceramic bars that exhibit geometric symmetry thanks to their usage. This palace has a number of attractions, one of which is a collection of well carved wooden pillars.
Islom-Hoja Medressa
It is the building in Khiva that stands the highest and can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. Both the minaret and the medressa were constructed in 1910, and the medressa was given its current name in honour of Grand Vazir Islom Khoja. The minaret’s summit may be reached by travellers in about 118 steps. Inside is a museum that exhibits artefacts from Khorezm, including as ceramics, carpets, stone sculptures, and other handicrafts.
Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum
Pahlavon was a famed wrestler, philosopher, and legendary combatant who is also revered as the patron Saint of Khiva. This tomb was constructed at the location where he was laid to rest for all eternity. The tomb, which was first established in 1326 and was subsequently restored in the 19th century, is known for its expansive courtyard. The inside of the tomb have been embellished with opulent ceramics in order to complete the look. The mausoleum of Rakhim Khan, which is located inside a hall that was built utilising Persian architecture, is another feature that can be found here.
Isfandiyar Palace
Between the years 1906 and 1912, construction began on the Isfandiyar Palace. A summer retreat since its construction by Isfandiyar Khan, the palace was named for him. The design of the palace features a remarkable synthesis of the conventional architectural styles of both Europe and Islamic nations. The walls and ceilings of the interiors have been given a painted finish. The palace also has a garden and carved pillars in the style that is characteristic of Khiva.
