Khiva – Center of Ancient History and Modern Tourism

Khiva is one of Uzbekistan’s oldest and most beautiful cities, developed as an important trading center on the Great Silk Road. The city is famous for its Ichan-Kala complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

History

  • Ancient city with over 2500 years of history
  • Capital of Khorezm state in 6th century
  • Center of Khiva Khanate in 16th-20th centuries
  • Uzbekistan’s first open-air museum city (1967)

Culture and Traditions

  • Woodcarving and painting
  • Carpet weaving and embroidery
  • Traditional craft workshops
  • Khorezm traditional dances and “Lazgi” festival
  • Historical museum of Khiva Khans

Main Attractions

  • Kalta Minor (1851-1855) – 26 meters high
  • Juma Mosque (10th-18th centuries) – 213 wooden columns
  • Tash-Khauli Palace (1830-1838) – 150 rooms
  • Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah (1851-1855)
  • Pakhlavan Mahmud Mausoleum (14th century)
  • Kunya-Ark (12th-17th centuries)
  • Islam Khoja Minaret (1908-1910)

Local Cuisine

  • Khorezm Plov – prepared in special way
  • Tuhum Shilvir – traditional Khorezm dish
  • Oqchoy – local type of tea
  • Shivit Oshi – lagman with herbs
  • Norin – meat-based national dish

Recommended restaurants:

  • Terrassa cafe
  • Zarafshon restaurant
  • Khiva Ocean restaurant

Transportation

    • Within city: bicycle rental, electric cars
    • Railway: transfers from Urgench station
    • Minibuses: routes around the vicinity