Itchan Kala, Medieval fortress and museum in Khiva, Uzbekistan
Itchan Kala is the walled inner city of Khiva, built with clay walls that rise about 10 meters high and stretch over 2 kilometers around the perimeter. The area contains more than 50 structures including mosques, madrasahs, and palaces arranged along narrow streets.
The fortress complex was established in the 17th century as the capital of the Khivan Khanate and became a major trading hub along the Silk Road. The city served as the center of regional power and commerce for centuries.
Islamic architecture shapes the inner city, where the Juma Mosque with its carved wooden columns and several Quranic schools reflect the religious tradition that defined the place. Craftspeople continue working in the narrow lanes today, creating carpets, ceramics, and silk using methods passed down through generations.
Entry is through four cardinal gates, with the western Ata Darwaza gate serving as the main entrance to the complex. The narrow lanes are easy to navigate on foot, allowing visitors to explore the various buildings and museums at their own pace.
Some 300 families live permanently within the fortress walls, conducting their daily lives in the historic lanes. This continuous habitation gives the place a living quality that goes beyond what a typical museum could offer.
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