Amin Khan Minaret and Madras

Amin khan’s minaret and madras situated in the western part of Ichan-Kala.  Amin khan madras built in 1851-1855 and with a square of 71x 60meters is the biggest construction in Khiva. The madras arch is decorated with cupolas and angle towers. Brick mosaic and majolica were used in building’s design.

The facade is decorated with flowered majolica. Such flowered ornaments of Khiva’s craftsmen reflects nor plentiful nature of this region. The following inscription can be read among these ornaments: “This splendid construction will gratify future generation for ages”. A carved door leads to the court yard which is 38x38 meters. Khorezm woodcarvers are still famous for their art. The courtyard is surrounded with 125 binary khudjras-cells, which are typical for this building. 260 students studied here at the same time. Amin khan Madras was famous as a quite rich spiritual school. Presently, there is a tourist hotel “Khiva” on the territory of Madras.

Near the madras there is a Kalta Minor Minaret which is 26 meters high and 14, 2 meters in diameter. The supposed high of the Minaret was 70 meters, but the building work was broken off, as Mukhammad Amin-khan was killed by the Turkmens in 1855.  Thus, the name of Minaret Kalta Minor - “Short minaret”- appeared. The Minaret gratifies with its decoration executed in rich blue glazed tiles.