Museums of Khiva

Khiva Museums: Treasures of History and Culture

Why do Khiva museums still remain the main attraction for travelers fascinated by the history of the East? Because here, among the ancient walls and priceless exhibits, it is easiest to touch the past and be imbued with its spirit. They say that in Khiva time seems to have stood still, and modernity is practically not felt. This city of Uzbekistan has fully preserved its historical integrity and has become a real open-air museum.

On thematic forums, tourists always share comments about what to see in Khiva first of all. Without exception, everyone mentions the inner city-fortress Ichan-Kala, which is the heart of ancient Khiva. Surrounded by giant walls, this architectural and historical complex has been preserved unchanged. An original museum-reserve was created on its territory, including about twenty different museums.

Together, these museums of Khiva form a single space where you can fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of ancient Khorezm. This kaleidoscope of impressions called Ichan-Kala is a living embodiment of the culture of long-gone eras. The complex is listed as a UNESCO heritage site, which speaks of its exceptional value.

In this review, we will find out which museums in Khiva attract tourists the most and what exhibits are presented in them. All of them are located on the territory of the Ichan-Kala architectural complex and are an integral part of it.

Museum of Arts and Crafts

In the western part of Ichan-Kala, not far from the main gate, stands the Matpan-bay madrasah, built in the 17th century. This imposing building is a priceless architectural monument in itself, and inside it is a museum of arts and crafts. Tourists admire both the building’s exterior and the interior exhibition halls. The sights of Khiva have an irresistible magnetism: even if crafts are not part of the circle of hobbies, here they evoke the deepest emotions.

Artistic crafts differ from traditional ones in that their goal is not only to solve functional problems, but also to develop aesthetic practices. Products and other products of these crafts are not mass-produced, but are created with a creative approach and phenomenal skill. They are unique and carry a deep meaning, which can only be understood through reflection.

It should be noted that this is the only museum in Khiva for which no additional money is charged. Tourists pay an entrance fee to the Ichan-Kala complex, and the cost of visiting the crafts museum is included in the total amount. For an additional fee, a guide who speaks several languages ​​is offered, which allows you to understand the exhibits in more detail.

The museum’s exposition is not limited to showing individual types of crafts, but presents them in a complex in thematic sections. Collections of exquisite ceramics, woodwork, fine textiles and jewellery evoke a sense of profound wonder. A tour of this museum not only introduces you to antique items, but also allows you to feel the mysterious aura of ancient Khorezm.

Gallery of Applied Arts

Many people are interested in which museums in Khiva, which are part of the Ichan-Kala complex, are in exceptional demand. The answer cannot be unambiguous, and here is why. There are about twenty museums in the reserve, and they are equally popular among tourists regardless of their area of ​​interest. Walking between the monuments of medieval architecture, there is a desire to go in and see what’s inside.

Almost every madrasah has exhibition halls where Khorezm relics are exhibited, but something else is surprising. Despite the thematic similarity of the expositions, you discover something new in each museum. The same is true for the gallery of applied art, which is located in the famous Kazy-Kalyan madrasah. Even the wooden columns in the courtyard evoke warm associations, and inside you are imbued with an aura of antiquity. Very unusual sensations.

The graceful arches of Kazy-Kalyan, high domes, and majolica tiles indicate a classic example of Central Asian architecture. The building looks monumental, but each pattern has an oriental sophistication and expressiveness. The madrasah was built in the 18th century during the reign of Khan Isfandiyar and has survived to this day in fairly good condition.

The rich collection of exhibits perfectly reflects the life and artistic skill of the inhabitants of Khorezm. It is difficult not to admire the variety of handicrafts, and only here can they be truly appreciated. The exhibitions include prestigious interior items, luxurious textiles, incomparable ceramics, as well as items made of copper, bronze, and silver. A separate hall exhibits handmade jewelry made of precious stones and metals.

Khorezm masters have long been famous for their pottery skills, passing on the secrets of the craft from generation to generation. Filigree painting on bowls and jugs amazes not only with the richness of shades, but also with the complexity of application. The warmth of the masters’ hands is felt in each product, so you want to take at least one bowl with you. Understanding this, modern artisans offer to purchase exact copies of items as souvenirs. And what tour to Khiva is complete without buying gift souvenirs?

Khorezm Museum of Historical Heritage (Al-Khwarizmi, Beruni)

Don’t think that you can only see works of art and crafts and architectural monuments in Khiva. Archaeologists have discovered the remains of ancient civilizations as a result of excavations in the territory of modern Khorezm. This sensational discovery could not fail to attract historiographers, anthropologists and inquisitive tourists. Initially, the valuable artifacts were placed in the Tash-Khauli Palace, built in the 19th century for the Khiva khans.

In 1970, it was decided to move the collection of archaeological finds to a specialized museum in Khiva. Its opening was timed to coincide with the 1200th anniversary of the birth of the outstanding scientist Al-Khwarizmi. Later, the name of another great scientist, Abu Rayhan Beruni, was added to the name of the museum. The inclusion of the names of both geniuses symbolizes their contribution to the scientific development of the Khorezm region and world culture.

This is how an important cultural center appeared in the city – the Museum of the Historical Heritage of Khorezm named after Abu Rayhan Beruni and Al-Khwarizmi. It is also called the main archaeological repository, which stores and exhibits various artifacts found underground in ancient Khorezm settlements. The findings became evidence of the existence of early civilizations that historians had guessed about but had no reason to confirm.

In the exhibition halls, visitors get acquainted with the household items of the ancient Khorezmians, their tools, and aesthetic preferences. Already in those days, the first crafts emerged, such as pottery and leatherworking, weaving, and metalworking. This Khiva museum is also worth visiting, because the exhibition showcases do not contain copies, but real artifacts.

We reviewed only three museums of the Ichan-Kala architectural reserve complex, but there are more than a dozen others that will be no less interesting. Make sure that your tour to Khiva is long enough, as tourists manage to visit no more than three museums per day.

Государственный историко-архитектурный музейный заповедник «Ичан-Кала».

Хейвакский колодец