A concise introduction to Khorezm leads from its long history to individual architectural details. Ichan-Kala, the inner fortress of Khiva in the Xorazm region, has a history spanning more than two thousand years. The complex comprises 51 ancient monumental buildings and 250 houses. At the Juma Mosque, the focus turns to a specific detail: it is adorned with 212 columns. Ichan-Kala thus offers both the setting of a historic fortress and a distinct, clearly identifiable architectural feature.
Architecture in Ichan-Kala
The restored Nurullabay Palace is located in the northwestern part of Ichan-Kala and has four courtyards. It embodies traditional features of Xorazm’s national residential architecture. The restored complex includes nine larger and smaller rooms, a reception room, an archive, a madrasa, rooms for servants and guards, a garden, and flower beds. The courtyards, interiors, and exterior areas give the palace a different architectural layout from the Juma Mosque with its 212 columns.
Archaeological landmarks in time
The archaeological sites broaden the picture beyond Ichan-Kala. Based on archaeological finds and cultural soil layers, Sulaymonqala is estimated to be at least 2,700 to 2,800 years old. The Qalajiqqal’a complex includes a fortress around 3,000 years old. Both age estimates are approximate, not exact dates. The complex also includes a salt lake believed to have healing properties.
Kalajik Fortress can also be included in a broader itinerary: a three-day travel program schedules a visit there on the third day in Bagat District. The program’s times and locations may change depending on conditions. If you plan to follow it, check the details before making your plans.
Dishes from Xorazm
Regional cuisine comes in two very different forms. Shivit Oshi is a dish from Xorazm made with bright green noodles prepared with dill infusion, served with meat sauce and a tangy fermented milk topping. Tukhum Barak is a traditional Xorazm pastry filled with an egg-based mixture. The two dishes represent different preparations: noodles with sauce and topping, and a filled pastry.
Forests, water, and a meteorite landscape
Dense tugai forest stretches along the banks of the Amu Darya in Xorazm National Nature Park. The park is also home to Uch Uchok, a geological and historical site formed by the impact of a large meteorite. Eco-tourism routes in four directions, following the region’s historic and natural attractions, have been opened there. Forest, riverbanks, and the meteorite landscape offer different ways to explore the region’s natural and geological history.
Another landscape can be found at Ulli Shorkul, also known as the “Khorezm Sea”: this recreation area with a body of water is located in Yangiarik District.
Ulli-Hovli: History and Activities
Ulli-Hovli in Urganch District was built in the 17th century by Uzbeks and Turkmens. Visitors can ride camels and horses, and stroll through craft workshops and a gallery. The site thus combines its architectural history with specific activities, setting this aspect of a visit apart from the architectural details of Ichan-Kala Fortress and Nurullabay Palace.
Discover more destinations: Khiva District, Urganch, Tashkent, Navoiy Province, Ferghana Province, Buxoro Province, Samarkand Province, Andijan Province
Back to the main travel overview: Uzbekistan.
