Khiva
After a night on the train we arrived at Khiva, a well-preserved mud-walled city established in the beginning of the Christian era and once a major slave trading center. Noah’s son Shem found water here and called it “Kheyvak” which became Khiva. There are still over 3000 people living inside the walls.
Rebuilt city walls of Khiva
Kheyvak Well where Noah’s son Shem found water
Unfinished minaret begun in 1851 was intended to be 210m high
This former Medressa (Islamic school) is now a hotel
A street in Khiva
19th century Summer Mosque inside Kuhna Arc – fortress and residence of the ruler
This minaret, completed 1910, like a lighthouse helps travellers find Khiva
The Mihrab, a niche in Mosques that faces Mecca
1000 year old Juma Mosque supported by 221 beautifully carved wooden pillars
Harem Wing of the Palace which had 150 rooms and 9 courtyards
Beautiful turquoise dome of a Mausoleum
We arrived back on the train after a hard days sightseeing to a vodka tasting!