Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasa and Minaret📜 History & Heritage

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3/2/2026

Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasa and Minaret

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

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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