Itchan Kala is the ancient inner city of Khiva, surrounded by a massive fortress wall. Here, on an area of less than one square kilometer, a true medieval city has been preserved with narrow streets, mosques, madrasahs, palaces, and minarets. It can be explored on foot in just a couple of hours, while discovering the centuries-old history of Khorezm.

However, Itchan Kala is not simply a tourist attraction. Several hundred residential houses have survived here, and people continue to live their everyday lives inside the ancient city. Therefore, while walking through its streets, visitors can not only see famous landmarks but also experience the daily life of the residents of old Khiva.

A city within a city

The name “Itchan Kala” translates from Uzbek as “inner fortress.” In ancient times, cities of Central Asia were divided into two parts: the inner fortified city, where the rulers’ palaces and homes of the nobility were located, and the outer city, where craftsmen, merchants, and farmers lived.

Itchan Kala is surrounded by walls up to 10 meters (33 ft) high and stretching for several kilometers. Defensive towers are located at regular intervals along the walls. They contain loopholes that were once used to protect the city during sieges. The four main gates were not only entrances to the city but also important elements of its defensive system.

Inside the fortress walls are dozens of historical monuments: mosques, madrasahs, mausoleums, caravanserais, markets, and palaces. Here, visitors can see buildings from different eras – from ancient mausoleums to the luxurious palaces of the Khivan khans of the 19th century. Let us take a closer look at the main sights of Itchan Kala.

Kunya-Ark – the fortress of the Khivan khans

Near the western gates of the city stands Kunya-Ark – the old citadel of the rulers of Khiva. It contained the khan’s residence, a mosque, reception halls, a harem, a mint, and various administrative and household buildings. Its construction began at the end of the 17th century and continued over several centuries.

The reception courtyard (kurinishkhana), where the khan welcomed ambassadors and important guests, is especially impressive. The citadel offers one of the best views of Itchan Kala.

Kalta Minor – the unfinished symbol of Khiva

One of the most recognizable monuments of the city is the Kalta Minor minaret, covered with bright glazed tiles in turquoise and blue shades. Its construction began in the 19th century by order of Muhammad Amin Khan. It was intended to become the tallest minaret in Central Asia. However, after the ruler’s death, construction stopped, and the tower remained unfinished.

Despite this, Kalta Minor became the main visual symbol of Khiva and one of the most photographed landmarks in Uzbekistan.

Juma Mosque – a forest of wooden columns

Juma Mosque has an unusual interior design. Unlike many traditional mosques, it does not have the typical domes, monumental entrance portal, or inner courtyard. Its prayer hall is supported by hundreds of wooden columns, many of which are decorated with intricate carvings.

The dim light inside the mosque, the scent of wood, and the rows of ancient columns create a feeling of being inside an old sacred sanctuary.

Tash-Hauli Palace

One of the most beautiful palace complexes in Khiva is Tash-Hauli, built in the 19th century during the reign of Alla Kuli Khan. The palace included residential quarters, a harem, reception halls, and inner courtyards.

Its walls are decorated with blue majolica and the wooden elements feature exquisite carved designs. Tash-Hauli is considered one of the finest examples of Khorezm’s palace architecture.

Madrasahs and mausoleums

Itchan Kala is home to dozens of religious buildings. Among the most famous are the Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah, Muhammad Rahim Khan II Madrasah, Shergazi Khan Madrasah, and the mausoleums of Pahlavan Mahmud and Said Alauddin.

The Mausoleum of Pahlavan Mahmud is especially revered by the people of Khiva. It is the burial place of the famous poet, philosopher, and wrestler, who is regarded as the city’s spiritual patron.