KHIVA

The Khoresm Khanate where Khiva was situated, was a very famous and powerful state in the 4th century BC. Khiva has existed for a long time as a transcontinental pit-stop from from Gurgani to Merv. Khiva is an odd place. Unlike the other ancient cities of Asia, the historic heart of it is so well preserved that sometimes it seems that life has been almost squeezed out of it. The place where all architectural monuments are located is called Ichan-Kala. There one may admire Kunya-Ark citadel and the Tash-Khauli palace, the residence of the Khan. Walking around the remarkable places of Ichan-Kala, you will notice the magnificent simplicity and monumentality of medieval architecture, and watch the delicate wood carving and skilled interweaving of ornamentation. The tall and beautiful silhouettes of towering minarets, hemmed in by clay houses with flat roofs and surrounded by the strong clay walls of a powerful fortress will give you a nice and clear idea of a typical feudal city in Central Asia.
Khiva is an "open air museum" which is over 2 000 years old. Here you will find the Pakhalavan Makhmud mausoleum (1835), the Mukhammad Amikhan madrasah (1855), the Palace Ensemble Kunia-Arki Jash Hauli (1841), and the Allakulikhana caravanserai (1855). Actually, Khiva is being the leader among ancient Central Asian cites in the number of fascinating minarets. It is really made up of madrasah, mosques and minarets. Khiva's bazaar is the most colorful and vivid place where everyone can taste local rock melons, figs and grapes. On the weekends there are performances held by rope walkers and folk singers. And for those who love antiquity, heritage art and splendid architectures, Khiva is a must.