“Do‘sti Xudo” Shrine — Fergana Region📜 History & Heritage

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2/6/2026

“Do‘sti Xudo” Shrine — Fergana Region

The “Do‘sti Xudo” Shrine is one of the sacred pilgrimage sites in the Fergana region, and its name means “Friend of God.” A righteous person named Atoulloh is buried here. According to legends, Atoulloh came from Maschox (present-day Tajikistan) and worked here. He amazed people by accomplishing a task alone that normally required many — harvesting wheat in the fields — and, according to legends, animals helped him as assistants. For this reason, local people respected him as the “Friend of God.”

The shrine complex was built in the early 20th century by order of Alihan. The architect was Master Yakub. The complex includes a mosque and a mausoleum, connected by a gate. The mosque is richly decorated following national architectural traditions. The building is made of durable bricks, with interior plaster decorations, geometric patterns, and floral motifs. The area includes a pilgrimage site, tombstones, and shady trees, creating a peaceful environment for visitors.

Today, the “Do‘sti Xudo” Shrine is an important spiritual heritage site in the Fergana region and a popular pilgrimage site for locals and tourists.

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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