Uzbekistan – Welcome to the land of ancient heritage and unforgettable journeys

Uzbekistan – Welcome to the land of ancient heritage and unforgettable journeys

UBAY AVIA-TRAVELS LLC — Your trusted partner for unforgettable trips across Uzbekistan and the Great Silk Road. Visas, hotels, and exclusive tour packages — all with us. Your journey begins here

Desired destinations

The best choice for travel

reviewbannerbanner
cloudsclouds

Blog

Kuhna Ark Palace

📜 History & Heritage

Kuhna Ark Palace

Kuhna Ark Palace

Kuhna Ark Palace is the ancient citadel of Khiva and one of the khan’s residences located within Ichan-Qala. The history of the fortress is closely connected with the history of the city of Khiva itself. Some historical sources indicate that the construction of the fortress and the city began at the same time. However, today only several buildings dating back to the 19th century have been preserved within the Ark territory.

The Ark once housed the residences of the khan and officials, as well as state institutions. It also included a reception hall (Salomkhona, Arzkhona), a mint, summer and winter mosques, a harem, an arsenal, a gunpowder workshop, storehouses, a kitchen, stables, a prison, and even a special arena for ram fighting.

The term “Kuhna Ark” (Old Fortress) began to be used after another palace, Tosh-Hovli, was built in the city between 1832 and 1838. In its structure and layout, the Ark resembles a city within a city. One side is bordered by the walls of Ichan-Qala, while the other sides are enclosed by special defensive walls. The Ark can be accessed only through one entrance — the eastern gate.

Its territory covers more than one hectare and has a rectangular shape (123 × 93 meters), surrounded by high, thick defensive walls. Kuhna Ark consists of four courtyards of different sizes.

In the western part of Kuhna Ark stands the Aq Shaykh Bobo pavilion, which, according to legend, was associated with Sheikh Mukhtar Vali, who lived in the 14th century. It is said that an elderly man dressed in white once lived there, which is why the hill became known as Aq Shaykh Bobo. In fact, this hill served as an observation point of the khan’s palace, offering a clear view of the surrounding city.

Address: Khiva city, “Ichan-Qala” neighborhood, A. Boltayev Street.

February 27, 2026

Customer reviews

Review Image
А
Verified

Алла

Verified
Star ratingStar ratingStar ratingStar ratingStar rating
2025-06-12

Приветствую! Замечательная организация тура, хорошие водители и прекрасные гиды! Поехал совершенно по наитию и получил максимум удовольствия!

Review Image
А
Verified

Алла

Verified
Star ratingStar ratingStar ratingStar ratingStar rating
2025-06-12

Приветствую! Замечательная организация тура, хорошие водители и прекрасные гиды! Поехал совершенно по наитию и получил максимум удовольствия!

Review Image
А
Verified

Алла

Verified
Star ratingStar ratingStar ratingStar ratingStar rating
2025-06-12

Приветствую! Замечательная организация тура, хорошие водители и прекрасные гиды! Поехал совершенно по наитию и получил максимум удовольствия!

Review Image
А
Verified

Алла

Verified
Star ratingStar ratingStar ratingStar ratingStar rating
2025-06-12

Приветствую! Замечательная организация тура, хорошие водители и прекрасные гиды! Поехал совершенно по наитию и получил максимум удовольствия!

Review Image
А
Verified

Алла

Verified
Star ratingStar ratingStar ratingStar ratingStar rating
2025-06-12

Приветствую! Замечательная организация тура, хорошие водители и прекрасные гиды! Поехал совершенно по наитию и получил максимум удовольствия!

Currency rates

We will launch the app soon

Here you can stay up to date with our hot deals

phone-mockup

Our partners

TURIZM QO'MITASI
TURIZM QO'MITASI
TURIZM QO'MITASI
TOSHKENT SHAHAR HOKIMLIGI
UNWTO
USOFT
TURIZM QO'MITASI
TURIZM QO'MITASI
TURIZM QO'MITASI
TOSHKENT SHAHAR HOKIMLIGI
UNWTO
USOFT
TURIZM QO'MITASI
TURIZM QO'MITASI
TURIZM QO'MITASI
TOSHKENT SHAHAR HOKIMLIGI
UNWTO
USOFT