📜 History & HeritageIn this article
3/2/2026
In the city of Khiva, there are 64 madrasas, among which the largest and most beautiful was built by the Khan of Khiva, Muhammad Amin Khan. The madrasa is located in the western part of Ichan-Qala, on the right side when entering through the main gate, Ota Darvoza. This architectural monument was constructed in a style characteristic of its era, making it the largest and most luxurious of its kind.
The madrasa is built of baked bricks, with walls up to 1.5 meters thick. It is a two-story building with 130 cells, and historical records indicate that at one time, it accommodated 260 students. Architecturally, the madrasa is similar to other buildings of its type: symmetrical, two-story, rectangular in layout, and featuring a courtyard. Traditional flower-bundle minarets are located on either side of the main portal.
The main complex includes a five-domed central hall (miyonsaroy), a mosque, classrooms, and additional rooms. There are small portals on both sides of the courtyard. The first-floor cells served as dormitories and auxiliary rooms, while the second-floor corridor (ravoli peshayvon) added elegance to the building. Inside the courtyard, there are four small portals adorned with “suls” calligraphy tiles and decorative ornaments.
Address: Khiva city, MFY “Ichan-Qala”, Polvon Qori Street