Khiva: Ichan Kala, mosques and historic buildings

Khiva brings together a walled historic city, sacred architecture, woodcraft and distinctive local dishes. As you plan your trip, it is worth exploring these different aspects: Ichan Kala tells stories of caravans and the rule of the khans, while its mosques, minarets and mausoleums each offer their own architectural and historical highlights. Cuisine and crafts add local forms of expression to the picture.

Ichan Kala: Architecture and history

Ichan Kala is the inner city of Khiva, surrounded by brick walls about ten metres high. It was the last resting place for caravans before they crossed the desert towards Iran. The walls and the history of the caravans offer two different ways of approaching the site: its built form and its role in historic journeys. Ichan Kala is a cohesive, well-preserved example of Central Asian Muslim architecture. Its outstanding buildings include mosques, mausoleums, madrasas, caravanserais and markets.

The Djuma Mosque is part of Ichan Kala’s architectural ensemble. Its covered courtyard measures 55 by 46 metres. Two octagonal lanterns cast a dim light, and 212 columns adorn the space. The dimensions, lighting and columns shape the description of this courtyard and make it a distinctive example of the site’s architecture.

Height provides another striking feature: the Islam Khoja Minaret is 56.6 metres tall and the second-tallest minaret in Central Asia. Inside the minaret, 175 steps lead down to a main circular hall with windows, from which visitors can enjoy a view of the city. The staircase, circular hall and windows give an impression of the building’s vertical layout.

The Ko'hna Ark fortress was the residence of the khans of Khiva and was built inside Ichan-Qal’a at the end of the 17th century. The Ata-Darvaza Gate distinguishes between its original construction and later reconstruction: it was built of fired bricks between 1804 and 1806 and reconstructed in its original appearance in 1975 under the direction of master craftsman Samandar Kalandarov, to preserve the attractions of the museum reserve.

The mausoleums offer further points of reference in time and religion. The Uch-Avliyo Mausoleum stands beside the western wall of Toshhovli Palace and was built in the second half of the 16th century in honour of three saints. The complex around the tomb of Pahlavon Mahmud was built between 1664 and 1913 and is regarded as Khiva’s most important pilgrimage site.

Crafts, theatre and cuisine

The state puppet theatre of the Khorezm region opened in 1993 in a historic building from the 1930s in Ichan-Qal’a. Here, institutional history meets an older architectural setting. Local craftspeople in Khiva make wooden items such as chess pieces, walking sticks and carved doors. The examples range from small objects to doors as larger design features. The availability of individual items may vary.

Khiva’s cuisine includes fish dishes prepared in a distinctive local style. Shivit Osh, also known as green lagman, is described as a sweet dish and is served with meat and vegetable sauce, as well as qatiq. These are distinct culinary themes: a special way of preparing fish and a well-known dish served with its accompaniments.

Khorezm as a regional setting

The wider destination of Khorezm also encompasses natural landscapes and heritage sites. Xorazm National Nature Park has dense tugai forest along the banks of the Amu Darya. The park is home to Uch Uchok, a geological and historical site formed by the impact of a large meteorite. Ecotourism routes have been opened in four directions through the park, passing historical and natural attractions of the Xorazm region.

Another site in the wider destination of Khorezm is the Ulli-Hovli fortress, built by Uzbeks and Turkmens in the 17th century. Visitors can ride camels and horses there, as well as stroll through craft workshops and a gallery. These regional attractions complement Khiva’s architectural history, centred on Ichan Kala, with nature, history and other activities in the destination of Khorezm.

For the wider travel overview: Khiva District.