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The Ichan – Kala fortification walls
Built upon earlier settlements the clay walls of XVIII century are 10 meters high. Defense towers are placed every 30 meters along the wall and water moats provided additional protection.
Kunya – Ark (Old fortress) 17-19 centuries
The Ichan – Kala citadel consisting of numerous court-yards, among which Kurinysh – Khana (1804 – 1806) and the coint Mint (1806 – 1825) are today most famous. Kunya – Ark is an architectural museum displaying folk art master’s genius.
Kurinish – Khana
Kurinish – Khana, is a complex structure of audience rooms and reception halls from where the Khan held court. The throne hall is remarkable, decorated with painted carved alabaster (ganch) and a throne niche. Made by the Khiva masters, the throne was taken to St. Petersburg where it can be admired at the Ermitage. The high ayvan rests on two wood-carved pillars with marble base engraved with poems of Khiva’s poet and historian Agehi. The center of the closed courtyard holds a brick pedestal upon which rests a yurt, where in earlier times nomadic noblemen were received.
Alla – Kuli – Khan ensemble XVII – IXX
including Caravansarai, Palvan Darbaza gate, Alla – Kuli – Khan trading dome (Tim) and Hjaberdybi Medrese (17-19 centuries).
Alla – Kuli – Khan Caravansarai XIX
Resembleing a Medrese outline, the lower level served as trading rooms while the upper floor were storage and sleeping quarters, complete with adjoining Tim.
Palva – Darvaza gate (knight’s gate) XIX
The big Bazaar with trading passages, a public bath, Tim and Caravansarai. The architects had to take into account the strictly functional purpose, so simple, tried and tested construction of burnt brick as well as spacious cupola ceiling, in the blister heat of summer were applied.
Alla – Kuli – Khan Medrese and Hojaberdybi Medrese XIX and XVI
are examples of the outstanding talent of Khiva’s architects. The challenge was to erect a complex monumental building on limited and topographically demanding ground.
Alla – Kuli – Khan Tim XIX
Specialized in fabrics and clothing. The income was used to support the city library located in the Alla – Kuli – Khan Medrese.
Pahlavon – Mahmud complex 1247 – 1325
Built in honor of the famous Khiva poet and undefeated professional wrestler, the city’s pir (patron saint) and healer Pahlavan Mahmud.
Originally the mausoleum was modest, but it rapidly grew into a pilgrim site with a great number of hujras, khanaka and mosques. In XIX century the remains of ancient Khiva rulers were brought here and the complex became the official necropolis for the Khiva Khans. In 1825 the interior was completed with majolica works in typical Khiva fashion and the cupolas were covered with torques tiles by the best Khiva masters.
Nurullabai Palace, The country summer residence 1906 – 1912
Situated in the Dishan – Kala this complex contains both residential quarters and impressive court rooms. Both local and foreign (Russian and German) engineers were commissioned to create a harmonious ensemble, integrating trees, greenery and a hauz. The tiles were made in St. Petersburg at the Zar’s ceramic plant. Alabaster work and wood carving, painting and gildin round off this clever architectural masterpiece.
Chodra – Hauli XVIII and XIX century
The Khan’s country palace. The unique sample of lost type of mono – chamber construction with the tower made from clay blocks. The stable and storage rooms are open on the 1st floor, on the 2nd and 3rd floors lay living quarters, each with their own ayvans, portioned off from the lady’s quarters on the 4th floor. |
