Itchan Kala

Glossaries

Term	Definition
Itchan Kala	Itchan Kala is the walled inner town of Khiva, Uzbekistan, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Itchan Kala is the walled inner town of Khiva, Uzbekistan, and represents an exceptional example of medieval Islamic architecture in Central Asia. This part of the city is surrounded by 10-meter-high mud brick walls built in the 16th century and houses around 50 well-preserved historical monuments. These include mosques, madrasas, mausoleums, and palaces, illustrating the rich cultural and historical heritage of Khiva. One of the most remarkable sites in Itchan Kala is the Djuma Mosque, with its 218 carved wooden columns dating back to the 10th century. The Kunya-Ark Citadel, once the residence of the khans, is another major attraction. The Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasa, built in the mid-19th century, is also a fine example of the majestic architecture of that era. In 1990, Itchan Kala was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its cultural and historical significance. This recognition has contributed to the preservation and restoration of its monuments while attracting many visitors from around the world. Today, Itchan Kala stands as a living testament to the rich and complex history of the region, offering a unique glimpse into urban life and architecture in Central Asia over the centuries.

Term

Definition

Itchan Kala is the walled inner town of Khiva, Uzbekistan, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Itchan Kala is the walled inner town of Khiva, Uzbekistan, and represents an exceptional example of medieval Islamic architecture in Central Asia. This part of the city is surrounded by 10-meter-high mud brick walls built in the 16th century and houses around 50 well-preserved historical monuments. These include mosques, madrasas, mausoleums, and palaces, illustrating the rich cultural and historical heritage of Khiva.

One of the most remarkable sites in Itchan Kala is the Djuma Mosque, with its 218 carved wooden columns dating back to the 10th century. The Kunya-Ark Citadel, once the residence of the khans, is another major attraction. The Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasa, built in the mid-19th century, is also a fine example of the majestic architecture of that era.

In 1990, Itchan Kala was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its cultural and historical significance. This recognition has contributed to the preservation and restoration of its monuments while attracting many visitors from around the world. Today, Itchan Kala stands as a living testament to the rich and complex history of the region, offering a unique glimpse into urban life and architecture in Central Asia over the centuries.