Ichan –Kala - Khiva internal city

Khiva is historically divided in two parts: internal city Ichan-Kala and external Dishan –Kala. Ichan –Kala is a truly architectural treasury composed by more than 60 historical monuments. Virtually, the internal city is a museum under the open sky, which shows us an image of Oriental Cities. The city has a square shape and takes space about 30 hectares. Ichan-Kala encircled with 10 meters high defensive wall. There are 4 gates on 4 sides: Ata-Darvoza in the west side, Bakhcha-Darvaza in the north, Palvan-Darvoza in the east and Tash-Darvoza in the south side.

The city’s history counts over 2500 years and legend says that its’ name comes from ancient well – Kheyvak.  The city has had this name for a long time and got the present name Khiva in XVIII. The city has a many years history but the present image appeared in XVIII, when the main part of constructions was built. Majolica, wood and marble carving and alabastrine plaster were widely used in building decoration.    Shining examples of such art are Kalta Minor Minaret, Juma Mosque, Mukhammed Amin Khan Madras, Tosh Khovli Palace and etc.

There are 400 houses of local people in Ichan Kala beside architectural monuments.

Ichan Kala has a status of historical architectural conservation area since 1969, and became a part of World Heritage of UNESCO in 1990.

It is better to arrive and see this city with your own eyes!