Arab Mohammed Khan Madrassah, building in Khiva, Uzbekistan
The Arab Mohammed Khan Madrasah is a two-story brick building in central Khiva, dating from the early 1600s. The structure features a central courtyard surrounded by rooms, including classrooms, student quarters, a prayer hall, and corridors connecting the spaces.
Arab Muhammad Khan ordered the building's construction in 1616 to mark Khiva's rise as the new regional capital. The structure was substantially rebuilt and enlarged in 1838, when a second story was added to modernize it according to the standards of that time.
The building served as a center for religious and secular learning in Khiva, reflecting the community's dedication to education and knowledge. Its name honors the ruler who commissioned it, keeping his legacy alive in local memory.
The building is located in the historic old town of Ichan-Kala and operates as part of a museum site open to visitors daily. The main rooms are accessible for exploration, allowing you to walk through classrooms, the courtyard, and the prayer hall.
The building was originally constructed as a single-story structure by a local woman before Arab Muhammad Khan purchased and expanded it. Residents of Khiva referred to it as Chobin Madrasah, a name derived from its distinctive shape.
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