Khiva Uzbekistan is a city of ancient and modern history, amazing facts, and plenty of things to do. Located in the Khorezm region of western Uzbekistan, Khiva has been a major trading center since the 10th century. The city was once the capital of the Khorezm Empire and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its mix of traditional Islamic architecture, stunning desert landscapes, and colorful markets, Khiva is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the culture and history of Central Asia.
History of Khiva
The history of Khiva dates back to the 4th century BC, when it was part of the Persian Achaemenid Empire. In the 10th century, the city became the capital of the Khorezm Empire, which controlled much of Central Asia until it was destroyed by the Mongols in 1220. After the Mongol invasion, Khiva became part of the Timurid Empire and later the Khanate of Khiva, which was ruled by the Uzbek dynasty of the Khanate of Bukhara.
In the 18th century, Khiva was conquered by the Russian Empire and became part of the Russian Turkestan. In 1924, the city became part of the Soviet Union and was renamed Khorezm. In 1991, after the fall of the Soviet Union, Khiva became part of the newly independent Republic of Uzbekistan.
Today, Khiva is a popular tourist destination and is known for its beautiful Islamic architecture and stunning desert landscapes.
Amazing Facts About Khiva
• Khiva is home to one of the oldest mosques in the world, the Juma Mosque, which was built in the 10th century.
• The city is also home to the Kalta Minor, a minaret that was built in the 19th century and stands at a height of 50 meters.
• Khiva is home to the Kunya-Ark, a citadel that was built in the 16th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The city is home to the famous Khiva Bazaar, which is one of the oldest markets in Central Asia and has been in operation since the 10th century.
• Khiva is also home to the world’s oldest public library, the Ichan-Kala Library, which was founded in 1810 and holds over 30,000 books.
Things to Do in Khiva
• Explore the ancient city of Khiva and its stunning Islamic architecture.