Mausoleum of Pahlavon Mahmud📜 History & Heritage

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3/2/2026

Mausoleum of Pahlavon Mahmud

The Mausoleum of Pahlavon Mahmud was primarily built in the 14th century in the form of a small crypt and houses the remains of the great “Pir” of its time, Pahlavon Mahmud (1247–1326). Over time, it was revered and renovated by many rulers. Historical sources note that Amir Timur installed a door for the mausoleum. Inside the mausoleum lie the graves of Abulghozikhan, Anushakhon, and Arangkhon, indicating that the poet’s tomb was honored during their reigns.

In 1701–1702, the Khan of Khiva, Shaniyoz Khan, rebuilt the mausoleum, and the entrance door from that period has been preserved. Inscriptions on the door include Quranic verses, Hadith, and poetic texts, decorated with turquoise, mother-of-pearl, and other Islamic floral motifs.

The current mausoleum was begun by Muhammad Rahim Khan I (1806–1825) after a successful campaign to Qo‘ng‘irot in 1810 and was completed during the reign of his son, Ollakulikhan. The mausoleum consists of three parts: the tomb chamber, khanaqah, and corridor.

Address: Khiva city, “Ichan-Qal’a” neighborhood, Pahlavon Mahmud 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