Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum

Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum is located in the very center of Ichan-Kala. It differs from other mausoleums with a beauty of its dome decorated with blue tiles. Pakhlavan Makhmud was a well known poet and philosopher of XIV century, became famous for his athletic power and talent to cripple people. Only simple construction of mausoleum was built in honor of him after his death.  Mausoleum became an important place for pilgrimage as the number of palmers started increasing from year to year.

New mausoleum was erected over the ash of Pakhlavan Makhmud by the order of Mikhammad Rakhim khan I in 1810. Since that time members of khan family were buried here and the territory of mausoleum was extended to the East and to the South.  Rakhim Khan I was also buried in this mausoleum and marble grave-stones of Abdulaziz-khan (1663) and Anush-khan (1681) were moved here.

Two-story house with tombs for Isfandiyar-khan, his mother and sons was built in 1913 in the front of the mausoleum. However, neither Isfandiyar-khan nor his sons were buried here, as they died outside the Khiva.

Presently, there is a complex, which includes following constructions: necropolis with tombs of khan’s family, winter and summer mosque, praying room and room for Koran (Holly book) readers. There is a well with charm like water in the courtyard of mausoleum. It is important for each pilgrim to drink some water form the well.

The internal decoration of the mausoleum represents majolica tiles painted with white and blue colors.