Khiva District: Qiyot, History and Nature

Khiva District is home to the Shaykh Mavlon Bobo complex in the village of Qiyot and an ecotourism route along the natural Eshonrovot Reservoir. The two themes have different emphases: Qiyot represents a historic ensemble, while the route offers a landscape perspective. When planning your trip, you can first consider whether you are more interested in architectural history or nature.

The Shaykh Mavlon Bobo Ensemble in Qiyot

The complex comprises a mausoleum, a mosque, a minaret and an old cemetery. It also includes the mausoleums of the poets Muhammad Rizo Ogahiy and Munis Khorezmi. Shaykh Mavlon Bobo was an important Islamic teacher of the 12th century; the architectural ensemble was built in 1891 by Muhammad Rahim Khan II. The teacher’s lifetime and the construction of the complex therefore represent two distinct historical periods.

Visitors interested in the history of religious and architectural ensembles will find both at the same named complex in Qiyot: the legacy of a 12th-century teacher and a complex dating from the late 19th century. The mausoleums of the two poets add other named figures to this historical context.

Khiva and the Inner Fortress of Itchan Kala

Itchan Kala is the inner fortress of Khiva, located south of the Amu Darya in the Khorezm region. The walled area covers 26 hectares; its brick fortification walls are up to ten metres high. Itchan Kala’s history spans more than two millennia. The fortress contains 51 old monumental buildings and 250 residential houses. Surviving residential forms include houses with enclosed courtyards, reception rooms and carved wooden pillars.

Khiva became the capital of the Khanate of Khiva in 1598. The city has more than 100 old mosques, madrasas, minarets and mausoleums. Individual buildings also tell stories of different histories: Kalta Minor stands near the western gate of Ota-Darvoza and was left unfinished. Khiva’s puppet theatre is believed to be nearly 2,000 years old. Artisans in Khiva make wooden items such as chess pieces, walking sticks and carved doors.

The fortress’s dimensions and the described courtyard houses show two different scales of historic architecture: the walled complex as a whole and the design of living spaces and courtyards. Together with the theatre tradition and woodcraft, they offer further topics for travellers interested in culture and design as well as monumental buildings.

Landscape and Regional Context

Khiva District is part of an ecotourism route along the natural Eshonrovot Reservoir. This offers a landscape-focused route alongside the historical attractions. The route and the complex in Qiyot can be considered as options for different interests when planning a trip, without combining them into a single walking tour.

The wider destination of Khorezm has further cultural and architectural landmarks. Nurullabay Palace is located in the northwestern part of Ichan-Kala and consists of four courtyards. In its restored form, it has nine large and small rooms, a reception room, an archive, a madrasa, quarters for servants and guards, a garden and flower beds. The palace embodies traditional features of Xorazm’s national residential architecture.

Ulli-Hovli is also part of the wider destination of Khorezm: the complex was built by Uzbeks and Turkmens in the 17th century. Visitors can ride camels and horses there, as well as walk through craft workshops and a gallery.

Shivit Osh is one of the region’s culinary highlights: a Xorazm dish of bright green noodles made with dill infusion, served with meat sauce and a sour fermented-milk topping. Tukhum Barak is a traditional Xorazm dumpling with an egg-based filling. Both dishes offer specific regional points of reference for anyone interested in Khorezm cuisine as well as historic sites.

Discover more destinations: Khiva

For the wider travel overview: Khorezm.