The Five Stans Adventure exploring Turkmenistan 🇹🇲 Uzbekistan 🇺🇿 Tajikistan 🇹🇯 Kazakhstan 🇰🇿 and Kyrgyzstan 🇰🇬
Today is for sightseeing in Khiva. With your local leader, you’ll see the blue-tiled Kalta Minor Minaret and the Mohammed Amin Khan Madressa. Explore the Kuhna Ark – the ‘citadel within a citadel,’ which once housed the Khan and his family in the 17th century. Visit the Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum – constructed in honour of the famous 13th-century poet, craftsman and fighter – and the towering Islom Hoja Minaret, which is the tallest building in Khiva. Explore Juma Mosque and see how the roof is propped up by 212 wooden columns designed to let in sunlight. Next, see the Tosh-Hovli Palace, built in the first half of the 19th century. Wander through elaborately decorated courtyards connected by labyrinthian corridors, then enjoy a free afternoon to continue at your own pace.
~ Intrepid Travel ~ Five Stans Day 5
Itchan Kala Old City Wall
Itchan Kala is the walled inner city of Khiva. It has more than 50 historic monuments and 250 old houses, dating primarily from the 18th and 19th centuries. My room looked out at the old wall and it’s walkable once you climb up a steep inside staircase. The outside stairs are blocked off from reaching the top of the wall.
Mohammed Amin Khan Madressa
Madressa is the Arabic word for any type of educational institution, secular or religious (any religion). A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Muhammad Aminkhan Madrasah was built in 1852-1855 by Muhammad Amin Bahadur Khan.
Kalta Minor Minaret
Located on the front side of the Muhammad Amin Khan Madrassa is the Kalta Minor Minaret and is the symbol of the city. This fat, turquoise-tiled minaret was begun in 1851 by Mohammed Amin Khan, who according to legend wanted to build a minaret so high he could see all the way to Bukhara. It is a unique minaret completely covered with glazed tile and majolica.
Kuhna Ark
Kuhna Ark was first built in the 12th century as the Khiva rulers’ own fortress and residence. The Ark became “a citadel within a citadel” made up of the Khan’s office, a reception hall, the harem, a winter and summer mosque, a mint and subsidiary premises such as stables, warehouses and workshops.
Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum
Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum is a mausoleum hosting the tomb of Khiva’s patron saint who was a poet, philosopher, wrestler and was known for his work to help the poor and the oppressed with his actions and donations.
Islom Hoja Minaret
Islom Hoja Minaret is located in the center of the Ichan-Kala Citadel. It consists of 42 hujras and a large domed hall. Decorative belts of blue and white ceramics alternating with ochre bricks adorn the Minaret. It is topped by an arched lantern and golden crown.
Juma Mosque
The mosque is unique because the roof is supported by 12 wooden pillars, carved between the 10th and the 18th centuries. Each pillar is unique, carved with different patterns, styles and techniques which depicts the history of traditional Khiva woodcarving.
Tosh-Hovli Palace
The Tosh-Hovli Palace consists of intricate blue tiles, carved wooden pillars and elaborate ghanch. This 19th-century palace was the residence of the ruler of Khiva, Allah Kuli Khan. It has over 150 rooms across nine courtyards including a harem wing with handicraft exhibitions and a south wing featuring a throne room, brick yurt bases, and a beautiful carriage from 1872.
Out & About
Happy Travels!
The Five Stans
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Jackie is “Mom” to one amazing son, an IT professional and an obsessed traveller. She spends her time reading, golfing at Ladies League and implementing software projects. Jackie has travelled to 7 continents, 5 oceans and 103 countries and she is always planning the next destination and adventure!