10 Things to Do in Islam-Khoja Madrasah, Khiva Uzbekistan
Islam-Khoja Madrasah, located in the ancient city of Khiva in Uzbekistan, is a stunningly beautiful and historically significant site. The Madrasah is a complex of Islamic religious schools, mosques, and other buildings, and is one of the oldest surviving madrasahs in Central Asia. It was built in the late 17th century and is considered a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. Here are 10 things to do when visiting the Islam-Khoja Madrasah in Khiva.
1. Admire the Architecture - The Islam-Khoja Madrasah is a stunning example of Islamic architecture. It is constructed in the traditional style of Central Asian madrasahs, with a large central courtyard surrounded by two-story galleries. The two-story galleries are decorated with intricate geometric and floral designs, and the building is topped with a large blue dome.
2. Explore the Courtyard - The courtyard of the Madrasah is an important part of the complex. It is surrounded by the two-story galleries and contains several monuments and fountains. The courtyard is also the site of the annual Khiva Festival, which celebrates the city's cultural heritage.
3. Visit the Mosques - The Madrasah contains several mosques, including the main mosque, the Juma Mosque, and the Mir-i Arab Mosque. The Juma Mosque is the oldest mosque in Khiva, and its minaret is one of the tallest in the city. The Mir-i Arab Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in Uzbekistan, and its interior is decorated with intricate geometric and floral designs.
4. Explore the Madrasah Museum - The Madrasah Museum is located in the main building of the complex. It contains a collection of artifacts from the madrasah, including coins, manuscripts, and other items. The museum also contains a library with a collection of books on Islamic history and culture.
5. Visit the Mausoleum of Islom-Khoja - The Mausoleum of Islom-Khoja is located in the courtyard of the Madrasah. It is the burial site of Islom-Khoja, a prominent religious leader who founded the madrasah in the late 17th century. The mausoleum is decorated with intricate geometric and floral designs, and is a popular tourist attraction.
6. See the Khiva Citadel - The Khiva Citadel is located just outside the Madrasah. The Citadel is a walled city that was built in the late 17th century, and it contains several mosques, palaces, and other buildings. The Citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is one of the most important historical sites in Uzbekistan.
7. Visit the Chorsu Bazaar - The Chorsu Bazaar is located just outside the Khiva Citadel. The bazaar is a lively market where you can find a variety of local goods, including traditional Uzbek handicrafts, spices, and clothing. The bazaar is also a great place to sample local cuisine.
8. Explore the Kunya-Ark Citadel - The Kunya-Ark Citadel is located just outside the Madrasah. The Citadel was built in the late 17th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Citadel contains several mosques, palaces, and other buildings, and is a popular tourist attraction.
9. Visit the Kalta Minor Minaret - The Kalta Minor Minaret is located just outside the Madrasah. The minaret is one of the tallest in Central Asia, and is decorated with intricate geometric and floral designs. The minaret is a popular tourist attraction, and is an excellent example of Islamic architecture.
10. Take a Tour - The Islam-Khoja Madrasah offers guided tours of the complex. The tours provide an in-depth look at the history and architecture of the Madrasah, and are a great way to learn more about this important site.
The Islam-Khoja Madrasah is a stunningly beautiful and historically significant site. It is a great place to explore and learn about Islamic architecture and culture, and is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Khiva.