We took a train ride between cities, leaving at 7 am. and arriving at Khiva around noon.
In essence, Khiva is an open-air museum, which is a 30-foot high walled inner city fortress (called Itchan Kala), with the entire town designated a UNESCO heritage site. There are more than 50 historic monuments inside the 1,600 year-old fortress. along with hundreds of homes within the mud-brick walls. In essence, it is as if you are walking through an exceptionally large film set.
The Juma Mosque is literally a forest of 212 wooden columns, some more than a thousand years old, and all covered with carved inscriptions. There is a central opening through which sunlight filters, creating bands of dancing illumination in this flat-roofed mosque.
While intended to be the highest minaret in central Asia, construction on the Kalta Minor was abruptly halted when the ruler died. As such, it has a truly short, stout appearance, with dazzling turquoise tiles covering what looks like a giant’s misplaced chess piece.
The Pahlavon Makhmud Mausoleum is a pilgrimage site to Khiva’s patron saint: poet, philosopher, healer, and legendary wrestler, who fought to release Uzbek prisoners. The interior of the dome glows with layers of blue and green tilework, constantly changing in the light.
Kunya-Ark houses a citadel that is one of the highest points in the town constructed in the 12th century. It had prisons, treasury rooms, a mint, barracks, and royal reception halls. The observation tower would allow detection of caravans from far away as they approached the city.
Tash Khauli Palace complex was built from stone in 1830 for the Khan’s court, wives, concubines, harem, and other officials. The spectacular blue-and-white tilework and carved wood ceilings highlight the Khorezm craftsmanship perfectly. This was truly one of a kind in preservation and splendor, spending nearly 2 hours exploring the more than 150 rooms and 9 courtyards (including climbing on the rooftops and parapets).
A few final photos from our visit:
Awesome!!