Itchan Kala (Ichan Qa’la) is the inner, walled old city of Khiva, Uzbekistan. It is an exceptionally well-preserved and complete example of a Central Asian Silk Road city, often described as an “open-air museum.” For centuries, it served as the final resting place for caravans before they embarked on the arduous journey across the desert to Persia. Surrounded by mighty, crenelated mud-brick walls, the city contains a dense and stunning concentration of mosques, madrassas, minarets, and mausoleums, all showcasing masterful Islamic architecture. In 1990, Itchan Kala became the first site in Uzbekistan to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, recognized for its outstanding and coherent example of a Central Asian Islamic city that has been preserved in its entirety.

Name and Address

• Name: Itchan Kala (Ichan Qa’la), which translates to “Inner Fortress” or “Inner City.”
• Address: Located within the city of Khiva, Xorazm Region, Uzbekistan.

How to Get There

Khiva is located in the western part of Uzbekistan, making it a bit more remote than Samarkand or Bukhara, but it is well-connected.

• By Air (Recommended): The nearest airport is in Urgench (UGC), about a 30-45 minute drive from Khiva. There are regular domestic flights from Tashkent. Taxis are readily available at the Urgench airport to take you to the gates of Itchan Kala.
• By Train: A modern train service connects Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara with Khiva. The train station in Khiva is conveniently located just outside the old city walls, making it a very easy and scenic way to arrive.
• Visitor Tip: Itchan Kala is a pedestrian-only zone. You will need to purchase an entrance ticket which is valid for two days and gives you access to most of the museums and sites within the walls. The main entrance is through the West Gate (Ota Darvoza).

Landscape and Architecture

The landscape of Itchan Kala is that of a compact, walled desert city, a labyrinth of narrow, unpaved alleyways that open up to reveal stunning architectural masterpieces.

• The City Walls: The first and most defining architectural feature is the immense, sand-colored mud-brick wall that encloses the entire old city. The walls are up to 10 meters high and create a powerful sense of entering another world.
• A City of Turquoise and Terracotta: The architectural palette is dominated by the earthy tones of baked and unbaked mud bricks, brilliantly punctuated by the dazzling turquoise, blue, and green tilework that covers the domes and minarets.
• Key Architectural Highlights:
  • Kalta Minor Minaret: An iconic symbol of Khiva, this massive, unfinished minaret is completely covered in stunningly intricate blue and green tiles. It was intended to be the tallest minaret in the Islamic world but was left incomplete.
  • Juma Mosque: A unique and atmospheric mosque with a flat roof supported by a forest of 213 intricately carved wooden columns, some dating back to the 10th century.
  • Tosh Hovli Palace: The “Stone Courtyard,” this palace offers a glimpse into the opulent life of the Khans, with lavishly decorated courtyards, harems, and reception halls covered in blue tiles.
  • Islam Khodja Minaret: The tallest structure in the city. You can climb its narrow, winding staircase for breathtaking panoramic views over the entire walled city.
  • Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum: The sacred tomb of Khiva’s patron saint, a poet and wrestler. Its stunning turquoise dome and serene courtyard make it a major pilgrimage site.

What Makes It Famous

Itchan Kala is famous for being an incredibly complete and well-preserved medieval Central Asian city, offering one of the most authentic Silk Road experiences.

• An Open-Air Museum: Its primary claim to fame is its status as a perfectly preserved city-museum. Unlike other Silk Road cities where historical monuments are scattered within a modern city, Itchan Kala is a self-contained, walled city where the entire urban fabric feels historic.
• Mastery of Tilework and Woodcarving: The city is a showcase for the masterful craftsmanship of Khivan artisans, particularly in its vibrant ceramic tilework and the incredibly detailed carving on its wooden doors and columns.
• The Kalta Minor Minaret: This beautiful, fat, turquoise-tiled minaret is one of the most recognizable and beloved symbols of Uzbekistan.
• Atmospheric Labyrinth: It is famous for the experience of wandering its narrow, quiet alleys, especially at sunrise or sunset when the mud-brick walls glow, creating an incredibly atmospheric and timeless feeling.

Differences from Other Wonders

Itchan Kala offers a unique experience that sets it apart from the other great Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan.

• A Complete Walled City vs. a Grand Square: While Registan Square in Samarkand is a monumental ensemble of three grand madrasahs creating a single, awe-inspiring public space, Itchan Kala is an entire, enclosed city. The experience is about immersing yourself in a complete urban environment, not just admiring a single square.
• Terracotta and Turquoise vs. Overwhelming Blue: The architectural aesthetic of Itchan Kala is defined by the warm, earthy tones of its mud-brick walls, which serve as a canvas for brilliant bursts of turquoise tilework. This is a different feel from the grand monuments of Samarkand, which are often completely covered in dazzling blue mosaics.
• Intimate and Labyrinthine vs. Grand and Monumental: Khiva feels more intimate and compact. The joy is in the discovery of hidden corners and wandering through its maze-like alleys. Samarkand and Bukhara feel grander and more monumental in scale, with their massive, standalone structures.