Khiva is a legend in the tourist world. People come here from all over the world to rest. A wall surrounds the city, and inside the fortress, there is a real museum of history: the madrassah, minarets, and houses of locals. Among the many architectural attractions is the Islam-Khodja complex. It is a part of a grandiose ensemble, a famous Itchan-Kala.
Even though the complex is much younger than most city buildings, it is made according to all the canons of Khiva architecture. It was built by Islam-Khodja, the vizier of Khiva Khan, and now it bears his name. It is so customary in the East that every ruler tried to build something monumental, higher, more beautiful, and larger than the others.
Islam-Khodja was no exception. There are two main components of the complex: madrassah and minaret. At present, this minaret is the highest in Khiva and can be seen from almost any point in the old city. Its height is 56.5 meters.
This building is also distinguished by its unusual shape, it narrows much more than usual from the base to the top. Considering its height, this method is quite justified. This makes the structure more stable and reliable. Besides the height, it is also worth noting how beautifully decorated it is from the outside. The brickwork is replaced by heavenly-colored glaze rings and is crowned by a pointed dome with a crescent moon.
The madrassah seems to fade against the background of the minaret because its size is small. Despite its size, it has a lot to look at. The madrassah’s interior design is so rich in patterns, ornaments, and moldings, that you can spend hours looking at and admiring the work of craftsmen.
Asymmetry, which is Unusual for the Eastern style, is not striking at all. There are a small yard and exactly forty-two hujras inside. In the southern part, there is a small mosque decorated with carved gypsum. Mihrab is also beautifully decorated with maiolica. The main entrance is covered with a sophisticated pattern. The decoration of the first floor amazes with its richness. The second floor is a little more modest.
Within the mosque walls, it was planned to hold classes not only in the spiritual disciplines but also in general education. Islam-Khodja was an active supporter of education; by his order, schools, factory, telegraph, and hospitals were built in Khiva.
Having fallen victim to the clergy’s intrigues, he was killed in 1911, exactly one year after the construction of this magnificent complex was completed. However, this place is never empty. The complex attracts many visitors, architects and artists.
Canaan Travel invite every guest to visit Uzbekistan with this amazing work of art of Oriental architecture.