description Khiva Overview
Khiva is a historic oasis city in western Uzbekistan, near the Amu Darya and the edge of the Kyzylkum Desert. It served as the capital of the Khanate of Khiva and preserves mosques, madrasas, mausoleums, palaces, and defensive walls within its inner town, Itchan Kala. UNESCO inscribed Itchan Kala as a World Heritage Site in 1990 for its unusually coherent ensemble of Central Asian Islamic architecture.
insights Ranking position
Khiva ranks #4 of 138 in the Oasis ranking, behind Dunhuang Oasis, ahead of Al-Ula Oasis.
help Khiva FAQ
What is inside Khiva's Itchan Kala?
Itchan Kala is Khiva's walled inner city, containing the Kunya-Ark citadel, Kalta Minor minaret, Juma Mosque, madrasas, and mausoleums. UNESCO inscribed it as a World Heritage Site in 1990.
Why is the Kalta Minor minaret so short and wide?
Muhammad Amin Khan began the turquoise-tiled minaret in the 1850s, but construction stopped before its planned height was reached. Its unfinished form leaves it dramatically broad compared with Khiva's completed Islam Khoja minaret.
What was Khiva's role on Central Asian trade routes?
Its oasis location made Khiva a stopping point for caravans moving between Persia, the Caspian region, and Central Asia. The city was also the capital of the Khanate of Khiva and participated in a notorious regional slave trade.
Can visitors walk through Khiva's old city rather than viewing isolated monuments?
Yes, Itchan Kala survives as a compact urban ensemble enclosed by substantial mud-brick walls. Visitors can walk between palaces, mosques, madrasas, workshops, homes, and city gates within the historic core.
explore Explore More
Similar to Khiva
See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
