Khiva: Gem of Islamic Architecture

The Ichan-Kala fortress in the ancient city of Khiva, Uzbekistan, is breathtaking. Among its many wonders, the Kalta-Minor minaret is a true masterpiece of architectural design and artistic craftsmanship. This iconic landmark is renowned for its vibrant, multicoloured glazed tiles that glitter in the sunlight and transform with night lighting, creating a genuinely mesmerizing spectacle.

Initially, the minaret was designed by Muhammad Amin Khan to be the tallest in all of Central Asia, a towering monument to his power and influence. However, construction was abruptly halted due to his untimely death, leaving the minaret unfinished but no less striking. Today, visitors worldwide marvel at the stunning turquoise minaret and capture the perfect photograph with it as their scenic backdrop. It is a sight to behold and an essential stop for anyone visiting this historic city.

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Khiva's Islam-Khoja complex is a true gem, boasting the smallest madrasah and the tallest minaret. The brickwork of the Islam Khoja minaret is grand in scale, and its decorative glazed patterns - primarily blue, white, and turquoise - are genuinely one-of-a-kind.

The Islam Khoja madrasah, asymmetrical in design, is a prominent feature of the Ichan-Kala fortress and a stunning backdrop for the famous minaret.

Visiting the Islam-Khoja complex is captivating and informative, offering a glimpse into Khiva's rich history. For an even more breathtaking perspective, don't miss the opportunity to climb to the top of the minaret - it's one of the best vantage points in Khiva for a bird's-eye view of the city.

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The Juma Mosque is a remarkable example of medieval architecture within the Ichan-Kala fortress. This iconic structure boasts an impressive collection of 213 columns, each adorned with unique hand-carved designs and decorative ornaments of varying sizes and shapes. The exquisite artwork found on the trunks and capitals of these columns holds immense artistic value and is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the people who built this mosque. It's fascinating to note that every painting on these columns is distinct, giving each one a special touch of artistry.

Beyond its exceptional beauty, the Juma Mosque also exudes positive energy that visitors within its walls can feel. The cosy ambience created by the interplay of natural light and the shadowy interior is remarkable. Visitors can sit on benches or brick partitions and bask in the tranquil environment. The mosque is a popular spot for newlyweds to take photographs, and it's possible to wait for a quiet moment to capture some truly stunning shots. Overall, the Juma Mosque is an awe-inspiring sight that is worth a visit if you are in the area.

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The Pahlavan Mahmud mausoleum in Khiva is a famous architectural landmark and a sacred site for pilgrims. The mausoleum contains the remains of Pahlavan Mahmud, a celebrated philosopher, poet, educator, and Sufi.

What sets the Pahlavan Mahmud mausoleum apart is the unique egg-shaped dome that towers above it. The interior is adorned with beautiful white and blue floral tiles that blend harmoniously to form a gorgeous pattern. Also, Persian poems written by Pahlavan Mahmud grace the walls.

Visitors can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere in the mausoleum and meditate to replenish their energy while reflecting on the eternal. It's a perfect spot for those seeking serenity.

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Kunya-Ark is an impressive fortress within the expansive stronghold of Ichan-Kala. Its tall clay wall separates it from the rest of the defence. Although only a few buildings from the 19th century remain on the grounds, Kunya-Ark was once a bustling hub of activity with numerous structures, such as summer and winter mosques, a reception hall known as kurinishona, a harem, living quarters, stables, workshops, and even a mint. Military parades and training battles were held in the fortress square, while a zindan (prison) with an execution site hinted at the fortress's historical significance. Kunya-Ark's Kurinishkhona has a unique feature - the aivan - which stands on two elegantly designed wooden columns. The facade is adorned with blue and white majolica, featuring the poems of poet and historian Ogahi etched into it. Visitors can also enjoy the breathtaking view of Ichan-Kala and its surroundings from the observation deck of the Ak-Sheikh-Bobo bastion within the Kunya-Ark citadel.

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The Tash-Khauli Palace, also known as the Stone Yard, is a remarkable architectural masterpiece built by Alokulikhan between 1832-1838. The palace is presently split into two parts, the Harem and Arzkhona. The Harem section was transformed into the "Crafts" museum in 1987, while the Arzkhona section was converted into the "Khorezm Craftsmanship" museum in 2001.

The Harem section of the Tash-Khauli Palace is a sight to behold, with its exquisite decoration that includes beautifully tiled walls in various shades ranging from azure to the darkest indigo. The ceilings are equally magnificent, with a fascinating history to them. A visit to the Tash-Khauli Palace is a must to take in the full splendour of its decoration. The attention to detail in the decoration is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the artisans who created it.

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The formidable defensive walls of Itchan-Kala, located in the ancient city of Khiva, Uzbekistan, are a sight to behold. Built in the 17th century, these walls are an impressive 10 meters high, 8 meters thick, and span an astonishing 2250 meters long. Visitors can see semicircular towers and galleries fortified with narrow loopholes along the walls, providing strategic vantage points for defence against potential invaders.

Presently, the defensive walls of Ichan-Kala remain true to their original purpose of enclosing and protecting several of the most important historical sites of the region. These sites, including palaces, mosques, minarets, madrasas, mausoleums, and caravanserais, hold immense cultural and historical significance, which is why they have earned a place on the prestigious UNESCO heritage list.

Visitors can enter the fortress through one of four gates: the Northern (Bagcha-darvaza), Southern (Tash-darvaza), Eastern (Palvan-darvaza), and Western (Ata-darvaza). For an unforgettable experience, we recommend walking along the walls of Ichan-Kala at sunset. This provides a breathtaking view of the natural landscapes and an opportunity to capture unique photos that will serve as a lasting memory of one of the most remarkable sites in Uzbekistan.

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