A unique city that appeared more than 2500 years ago, Khiva (Uzbekistan) impresses with its history and attractions. This is a city with an amazing atmosphere, ancient culture and unique appearance.
The appearance of the city
Where the city of Khiva (Uzbekistan) is located today, the first settlement, according to archaeological excavations, appeared as early as 4-3 millennia BC, there was a camp for hunters and fishermen of the Kaltaminar culture. In the 2nd millennium, stationary housing of nomads and farmers was already housed here. The culture of farmers was mixed with the traditions of pastoralists who came from the Southern Urals, as a result, an early Amirabad culture of early bronze was formed. Since that time, the settlers succeeded each other, but the Amu Darya delta has never been empty. This territory was very well located on the trade routes, and also had enormous opportunities for cattle breeding and agriculture.
Khiva History
Later legends say that the city of Khiva grew up in the center of the oasis, where a well with surprisingly tasty water was located. This well was supposedly dug by the son of Noah Sim. The first city, which is recorded in written sources, was called Heyvak, then there were Khorasmiya, Hvarezm and, finally, Khorezm. He experienced periods of prosperity and conquest, was the capital of the vast Khorezm state.
The city was first owned by the Afrigid dynasty, then the Arabs conquered the city and it became part of the Muslim state. Then the rulers succeeded one another: the dynasty of the Mamunids, Gaznevids, Seljuks, Anushteginids. The city has too many virtues not to fight for it, so different rulers constantly sought to conquer it.
In 1220, the city was destroyed by the army of Genghis Khan. But he very quickly reborn and again became a tidbit. So, Tamerlan five times tries to take the city by attack, and in 1388 he finally succeeds. Later, the city continues to change hands. At the beginning of the 17th century, Khiva became the spiritual center of the Muslim world, madrasahs are being built here. But the real heyday of the city falls on the reign of the Uzbek Kungrat dynasty.
The 18-19 centuries became a time of construction and accumulation of wealth for the city. In 1873, as a result of a military operation, Khiva became part of the Russian Empire. Since that time, the city is part of the Turkmen region. The rapid development of the city begins, schools, hospitals are being built here. In 1919, the Red Army overthrows the existing khanate and establishes a new order, the city is part of the Soviet Union. Since 1924, Khiva has been part of the Uzbek SSR.
Importance for World Culture
Uzbekistan, Khiva historically belong to the territory on which an ancient peculiar culture was formed. Here ran the Great Silk Road, which was the center of civilization.
In the 8th-9th centuries, these territories play the most important economic and cultural role in the region. The heyday of Khiva falls at the end of the 18th - beginning of the 20th century, during the Khiva khanate. Khiva at that time became the political and economic center, great wealth accumulated here, all of this was reflected in the appearance of the city, in which unique structures were created.
Today, the city of Khiva (Uzbekistan), the photo of which only in a small part conveys all its charm, is a historical and cultural monument, included in the list of objects protected by UNESCO. The city is divided into two parts: historical and modern. Within the boundaries of the Old Town there are many architectural monuments of excellent preservation. Khiva is a kind of reserve of ancient oriental culture, here you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of an Asian city of the past and feel the spirit of the past.
Khiva today
In 1991, Uzbekistan, Khiva began a new life, independence came, but territorial claims of Turkmenistan appeared. Historically, the city belonged to the Turkmen Khanate, and today this country would like to regain this land.
Today Khiva is a large Uzbek city with a population of 60 thousand people, with a well-developed service infrastructure. This is a very cozy city, it does not have high-rise buildings and large traffic, the measured atmosphere of eastern cities is preserved here. The Grand Bazaar is the busiest place where people, like many centuries in a row, find out the news, chat, eat.
The weather in Khiva (Uzbekistan) is very comfortable, the sun shines 300 days a year, it rains most often in March and November. The hottest month is July, when daytime temperatures can reach 38 degrees. In terms of comfortable weather, Khiva can compete with many resorts in the world. Today Khiva is a recognized center of tourism in Uzbekistan, all conditions for a pleasant and interesting vacation are created here. For all its historical preservation, the city has all the benefits of modern civilization. Mobile communication is uninterrupted here, all hotels provide Internet services, Khiva has good roads to other cities of the country, and there is an established and inexpensive public transport.
It is worth noting that in general, Uzbekistan is a very calm and safe country, there is almost zero crime rate, the biggest risk that tourists face is the overpricing when buying various goods. Here, as elsewhere in the East, sellers are ready to bargain and therefore initially declare a high price for their goods.
What to see
Uzbekistan, Khiva are famous for their history and cultural monuments. It will take a tourist a few days to explore all the sights of the city. First of all, it is worth to climb the Ak-Sheikh-Bobo tower to see the city from a height and navigate it. An amazing panorama of the city with its minarets, domes and fortress walls opens from the observation deck. It is also worth inspecting the walls and gates to the city, they are significant historical monuments, visit the Tash-Khuli Palace, Alla Kuli Khan and Amin Khan Madrasahs, and the White Mosque. Of particular note is the Kunya-Ark fortress, which has retained its appearance since the 17th century. In total, 60 world-class attractions are located in the city.
City architecture
A beautiful country is Uzbekistan. Khiva, whose sights are well preserved and unique, is no exception. Only here you can fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the ancient city and see the numerous architectural layers of different eras. The architecture of Khiva reflected the ancient Eastern traditions, with their unique sense of proportion, the ability to create monumental, majestic structures that shake with their interiors and mosaics.
The appearance of the city is formed by unique minarets, roofs of mosques and madrassas, they create a multi-stage composition of the city. The architectural view of the city was created in the 18-19 centuries, but more ancient buildings organically fit into the outline of the landscape. So, the mausoleum of Sheikh Seyyed Alauddin of the 14th century with a unique tomb decorated with majolica is an example of brutal Muslim architecture. In addition to temple buildings and palaces, in Khiva intricate residential neighborhoods are perfectly preserved, walks along these streets allow you to plunge deep into centuries and feel the atmosphere of the ancient eastern city.
Tash Hauli Palace
Uzbekistan, the city of Khiva is rich in historical buildings, and the Tash-Khuli palace is one of the first places among them in importance and beauty. The palace is decorated with intricate majolica ornaments, the harem interiors are especially beautiful. The palace is an example of Khiva architecture, blue-and-blue walls, tiled, shady courtyards, intricate wood carvings and wall paintings - all this creates a unique combination of luxury and coziness. This summer residence of the Khan is a real masterpiece of Muslim architecture.
Monuments of Ichan Kala
The old city of Khiva Ichan-Kala is a district that has preserved historical buildings, in which the main attractions are concentrated. There is something to see in the walls of Ichan-Kala, you should not miss the Friday Juma mosque with 212 carved wooden columns of amazing beauty and grace, the Kalta-Minor minaret, faced with multi-colored bricks, the highest Islam-Khoja minaret. Madrasahs, which are decorated with unique patterns of brick and tile and preserve the spirit of the 18th century, will require special consideration. The color of the medieval East is still preserved by the luxurious caravanserai of Alla Kuli Khan.
How to get there
There is a great place for educational rest - Khiva, Uzbekistan. How to get to this amazing place? There is no airport in the city, so tourists come most often from Urgench. Direct flights from many airports of Russia fly here. Russian tourists do not need a visa; you can get to Khiva by taxi, which is very cheap here, or by bus. Urgench is located from Khiva only 34 km. In Uzbekistan, tourist services are well established, so you can easily buy a tour with a transfer from Urgench, Bukhara or Tashkent. There are tours to several cities of the Silk Road.
Things to do
Uzbekistan, Khiva in particular, provides various opportunities for pastime. The city has a number of interesting museums, these include: a craft museum, where you can see the products of blacksmiths, jewelers, potters, weavers and other skilled craftsmen; Museum of Applied Arts and Everyday Life, where you can see household items of people of former times; Museum of the History of Khorezm, a unique collection of archaeological finds is collected here.
Arriving in Khiva, you must definitely try the national cuisine, especially since there are all conditions for this. There are many authentic food outlets in the city where you can try real Uzbek manti, samsa, pilaf, shurpa. Khiva has long been famous for its grapes, which were an object of export even in ancient Rome, it is also worth trying Khivan melons, which have an indescribable taste.
Free time in Khiva can be devoted to original shopping, here you can buy unusual local ceramics, national clothes, wood products, and jewelry.