WORK DETAILS
name
Khiva
Services
The Open-Air Museum of the Desert
Location
Khiva, Uzbekistan
Travel year
2025
OVERVIEW
Khiva is a city frozen in time. Nestled at the edge of the Kyzylkum Desert, it feels more like a fairytale than a real place — a labyrinth of mudbrick walls, turquoise domes, and minarets glowing under the desert sun.
At the heart of Khiva lies Ichan-Kala, the walled inner city, which preserves the look and spirit of an ancient Silk Road town. Walking through its gates is like stepping into the 18th century — untouched, atmospheric, and full of stories.
Why Khiva Captivates the Imagination
Khiva is not just a museum under the open sky — it’s a living city where ancient stories echo in narrow alleys, where sunlight dances on mosaics, and where the call to prayer floats gently over clay rooftops. It’s a place to wander, wonder, and feel history with every step.
Kunya Ark – The Old Citadel of Power
Located near the western gate, Kunya Ark (meaning "Old Fortress") was once the official residence of Khiva's Khans. Behind its high walls, you'll find a complex of courtyards, administrative halls, a mosque, and even a harem. The viewing platform offers one of the best panoramic views of the city’s domes and minarets.
