Xiva (Khiva)

is a historic city in western Uzbekistan, located in the Khorezm region near the Karakum Desert the most important and best-preserved cities of the ancient Silk Road 9-hour drive from Bukhara. It is believed to have been founded more than 2,500 years ago. Its entire old town Itchan‑Qal’a is a living museum. Walking the ancient streets, meeting daily life and some local people early in the morning (tourism filled the city after 10.30 a.m.) our attention was on:

Kalta Minor Minaret with its wide base and unfinished height, covered in colorful tile

Kunya Ark, the old fortress and residence of Khivan khans.

Juma Mosque with its 200+ wooden columns, some dating back to the 10th century.

Tash Khauli Palace is a richly decorated royal palace with intricate tilework and courtyards.

Mausoleums and madrasas – Including those of Pahlavon Mahmud and Muhammad Amin Khan

 Approximately 110 km from Khiva and close to Urgench airport built near the ruins of Ayaz‑Kala fortress on a scenic desert hill is a traditional yurt camp. On the way we also passed by Toprak Kala a 1st–4th century CE palace-fortress, once Khorezm’s royal capital, a massive mudbrick walls up to 9 m tall & evidence of temples and archives and Qizil Kala (Kyzyl Kala), a military stronghold from roughly same period.