Khoja Ma’oz Mausoleum in Margilan📜 History & Heritage

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2/6/2026

Khoja Ma’oz Mausoleum in Margilan

The Khoja Ma’oz Mausoleum in Margilan was built in the first half of the 18th century and is one of the finest examples of the local architectural school. The mausoleum was constructed of baked bricks and has been well preserved to this day.

The building has a rectangular shape (6.4 × 7.4 m) and forms a single monolithic composition with a portal facing east. The dome, with a diameter of 4.4 meters, rests on a drum whose lower part is faceted and the upper part cylindrical.

The facade of the mausoleum is made of ganch tiles and divided into smooth rectangular panels with borders decorated with floral patterns. Although some decorations have been damaged over time, certain fragments have survived.

The interior also has a unique design: an octagonal chamber with lancet niches harmoniously combined with the external rectangular structure. This rare composition is considered an uncommon example of medieval memorial architecture.

The purity of forms, proportional harmony, and delicate decorative elements place this mausoleum among the most important historical and architectural monuments of Margilan. According to legend, the mausoleum is associated with the great Islamic figure and companion of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Khoja Ma’oz ibn Jabal.

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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