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KHIVA, Urgench

A long time ago, Shem, son of Noah, was roaming the Kara-Kum Desert with his tribe. His people became thirsty. Being a full day's walk from the river by dug a hole, and struck water, and the water was sweet. "Khei-vakh!" they cried. "What the satisfaction!" From Kheivakh it came to Khiva. Always being part of Khorezm, it was "pearl" of Khorezm. When Kunya Urgench was destroyed in 14th century Khiva became the capital of Khorezm until the Russian invasion of 19th century.

Places of Interest in Khiva

Ichan-Qala

The main entrance to the Ichan-Qala is the twin-turreted brick West Gate (Ota Darvaza Father Gate). The picturesque 2.5 km long mud walls date from the 18th century, rebuilt after being wrecked by the Persians. The walls also have North, East and South gates, respectively Bukhara Gate, Polvon Gate, Stone Gate, as well as about 40 bastions.

Muhammad Amin Khan Madressa & Kelte Minar 

The first building on the right inside the West Gate is the Muhammad Amin Khan Madressa, built in the 1850. Outside stands the fat, turquoise-tiled Kelte Minor Minaret, at the same time and looking like it was originally meant to far taller, which would have made it much higher than Bukhara's Kalyan Minaret. Stories say it was stopped either because the architect or the khan died.

Tosh Khovli Palace 

Tosh-Khovli facing the caravan saray, contains Khiva's most sumptuous interior decoration, ceramic tiles, carved stone and woods, and ghanch. Built by Alloquli Khan between 1832 and 1841 as a more splendid alternative to the Kuhna Ark, it's said to have over 150 rooms off nine courtyards. The biggest courtyard, immediately inside the entrance is the Harem. The rooms off harem's south west corner hold craft exhibits. The Ishrat Khovli was a ceremonial and banqueting hall, like the Kuhna Ark, circles for yurts.

Kuhna Ark

Opposite the Muhammad Amin Khan stands the Kuhna Ark. The Khiva ruler's own fortress and residence. In 12th century Aksheikh-bobo (the white sheikh) built the clay fortress. Later on it became a mausoleum . It was expanded by the khans in the 17th century. And was used as harem(ladies living area), mint, barracks, arsenal, stables, jail and mosque.

Juma Mosque & Minaret

The large Juma mosque is interesting for the 218 wooden columns supporting its roof, a structural concept thought to be derived from ancient Arabian mosques. The few finely decorated columns are from the original 10th century mosque, though the present building date from the 18th century. East of the Juma Mosque, the 1855 Abdulla Khan Madressa holds a missable nature museum. The little Aq Mosque dates from 1657 by the entrance to the long tunnel of the East Gate.

Muhammad Rahim Khan Madressa

Facing the Kuhna Ark, across an open space that was once a busy palace square and place of execution, this 19th century madressa is named after Khan Muhammad Rahim II. The khan was also a poet under the pen name Feruz.

Alloquli Khan Madressa, Bazaar & Caravan saray

The street leading north opposite the Aq Mosque contains Alloquli Khan Madressa (1835) and the earlier Kutlimurodinok Madressa (1809). North of the Alloquli Khan madressa and built in the same year are the Alloquli Khan bazaar & caravan saray.

Islam Huja Madressa & Minaret 

Khiva's newest Islamic monuments, both built in 1910. The 45 mitre tall minaret is highest in Khiva. The madressa holds Khiva's best museum, of Khorezm handicraft through the ages fine wood carving, metalwork, jewellery, books, Uzbek and Turkmen carpets, pottery etc. Islam Huja himself was an early 20th century grand vizier. He founded a European style school, brought long-distance telegraph to the city and built a hospital.  

Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum

Pahlavan Mahmud was a poet, philosopher and legendary wrestler who became Khiva's patron saint. His 1326 tomb was rebuilt in 19th century and requisitioned in 1913 by the khan of the day as the family mausoleum. The chamber under the dome at the north end of the courtyard holds the tomb of Khan Muhammad Rahim II who ruled from 1865 to 1910.

The valley of Ferghana is known for its scenic splendour, gushing streams and lush green valleys. It was the stable of the Mongols, and the horses bred at Ferghana were known as the heavenly. The Grand Silk road made its way through the villages which produced a fine quality of silk, known even today for its intricate weave and design.