Kunya-Ark Citadel

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Matkarim Matkarimov

Level 12 Local Expert

The old fortress is adjoins the western side of Ichan-Qala city walls with hermit Ak-shikh-bobo cell in one of its sections. Ichan-Kala barrow got its name in the 30's of the 19th century after the construction of the "new palace" Tash Khauli. Construction of Kunya Ark was initiated in 1686-1688 by Anushakhan's son Aranghkhan. By the end of the 18th century Kunya Ark became "a town within a town" and was separated from Ichan-Kala with a high wall. It housed a fortress, khan's residence, supreme court, powder factory, arsenal, mint, kurinyshkhana (khan's reception office), winter and summer mosques, divan registry, harem, kitchens, stables, guardroom, arena for ram fights, etc. The now existing Kunya Ark complex was rebuilt at the beginning of the 19th century. There was a single gate giving access to Kunya Ark placed in the eastern wall. The gate is 13 by 8.5 meters and 5.8 meters high (the remaining part). The square near the entrance to Kunya Ark was used for military parades and field training. There was also a special place for executing criminals and a zindan (prison) adjoining the eastern walls of Kunya Ark. Copper cannons guarded the entrance to the palace. Only a few groups of structures are left from the densely placed buildings in the Kunya Ark territory: the eastern gate with guardrooms; Aq shikh Bobo ayvan; kurinyshkhana - a yard for honorable receptions and registry; the mint with the summer and winter mosques, and the harem. Aq Shikh Bobo or Aq Sheikd Bobo ayvan initially served as a hujra where saint Aq Shikh Bobo, sheikh Mukhtar Vali's mentor, lived, and was used later as a watchtower and storage place for powder. The barrow foundation is about 60 by 40 meters. The first kurinyshkhana building was constructed in 1686-1688 by Aranghkhan and destroyed in the middle of the l8th century during Iranian invasion. The modern building was erected in 1804-1806 by Iltuzarkhan. Kurinyshkhana ayvan was tiled with majolica during the rule of Allah Kuli Khan. The kurinyshkhana includes an open space of the yard, semi-open ayvan and enclosed rooms of the throne hall and side rooms as well as structures in the western part of the yard (the khan's treasury, manuscripts storage room, recreation rooms). In the middle of the yard is a round elevation where a yurt was set up for the khan to receive envoys of nomadic neighbors. The khan's throne stood at the southern wall of the throne hall; the throne is now exhibited in the Armory Museum in Moscow. It was made of wood and covered with sheet silver with delicate engraved ornament in 1816 by Khiva's craftsman Muhammad. Dimensions: total: 28 x 27 m; yard: 13.5 x 17.5 m; ayvan: 5 x 10 m; throne hall: 4 x 10 m; suga: 6.3 m. Kunya Ark harem was built during the rule of Muhammad Rahimkhan II after the kurinyshkhana and mint were completed. It is located in the northern part of Kunya Ark. The yard is strongly elongated from the west to the east and built up with residential structures in the south consisting of a one-column couplet ayvan and one- or two-storey rooms behind it, the rooms adjoining the ayvan back wall with their long sides. The khan's residence is larger than the three rooms for his wives. Total dimensions are 33 x 62 m; yard: 14.5 x 50 m. The Mint was established during the rule of Muhammad Rahimkhan I. It was built together with the summer and winter mosques grouped around a small yard. Dimensions: total: 34 x 23 m; yard: 16 x 13 m; summer mosque: 7.4 x 13 m; winter mosque: 12.5 x 12.5 m; mint: 14 x 17 m.

Muso Madiyorov

Level 4 Local Expert

Yeahhhh

капитан Америка

Level 8 Local Expert

I definitely recommend visiting. Try to look into all the available rooms, take a photo. Everything turns out perfectly, the sky over Khiva is always perfectly blue. A lot of things are well preserved, and some are being renovated very carefully. It is very comfortable to walk, but it will be extremely difficult with a wheelchair. It is not necessary to drink expensive coffee. There is a Safia cafe outside the citadel gate, opposite the square. Clean, tidy and exactly like everyone else in Tashkent.

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Леля

Level 16 Local Expert

I recommend it to everyone to visit! It's a great tourist tradition to watch the sunset in a huge company of travelers like you from all over the world, and the evening views from the fortress wall are just wonderful!

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Мэгги

Level 12 Local Expert

Ichan- Kala old fortress city is the main attraction of the city of Khiva with four entrance gates on the cardinal directions. It is better to live inside, where there are many family hotels. This is how you get used to its atmosphere. On the roofs of the hotels there are trestles for dinner, relaxation and excellent viewing platforms where you can meet the sunrise and admire the colors of the sunset. You feel absolutely safe. In the shops you can get acquainted with local needlework and buy yourself memorable pleasant gifts. Whether it's embroidery of Suzane with silk on silk, or a soft blurry batik pattern. Or wooden book stands made of elm. Or maybe you will be attracted to dolls in national costumes with different emotions on their faces. They also put on performances for them here. Bargain quietly, everyone makes concessions. In the evening, madrasahs and religious buildings are illuminated. Very tasty local ice cream from childhood. In the open-air cafe with the bright star of Venus, you can taste unique dishes of national cuisine. Prices are almost the same everywhere. The service will be included in the receipt for about 15%. Discover the history of Khorezm.

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Н К

Level 17 Local Expert

One of the most beautiful and ancient places in Uzbekistan. The whole Ichan kala is steeped in history, even the trade along the streets does not spoil the impression, it seems that thousands of years ago the city was also full of trade, human voices and the diversity of peoples. The view from the tower is simply amazing.

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петров вячеслав

Level 21 Local Expert

An enchanting place! We lived right on the territory! The feeling of being in this ancient place is indescribable. The views from different angles are beautiful! During the day, the eastern boiling, and at night it's fantastic! The excursions are interesting, and the guides are very professional! I want to visit this iatmosphere again! Don't miss a ride in an open minibus around the citadel with music! See you again unique Khiva!0

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Катя Львова

Level 11 Local Expert

Must-visit! From here, the best views from above of Khiva) probably from the minaret are also good, only it is more difficult to climb it, and it costs this climb plus 100 thousand soums. And this observation room is included in the general ticket. at the entrance, it is better to ask - how to get up to the observation deck? Only the most inquisitive will discover this on their own. There is no sign there. And the caretakers will show you)

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алексей иванов

Level 19 Local Expert

In general, it is authentic, but there are some buildings that violate this. Hoteliers, restaurants, modern buildings and a huge number of souvenir dealers, but this does not interfere much. You can come in the evening, then there are few merchants, and the buildings are invisible

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татьяна рудкина

Level 16 Local Expert

A picturesque place, many beautiful buildings, interesting excursions from local guides! We walked for 3 days. Cozy cafes, delicious food.

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Александр Титов

Level 22 Local Expert

The Shah's citadel inside the old city. A place to hide if you fear for your life. Everything for life: kitchen, mosque, throne room, mint. Is there anything else you need? Oh, yeah... The harem is in another place, it's a pity.... Very sorry....

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Виктория Бегунова

Level 11 Local Expert

Interesting throne rooms, awesome view from the tower. It is better to visit with a good guide, you can learn a lot of interesting things

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александр родионов

Level 30 Local Expert

Powerful, impressive. Take a tour otherwise it's not very interesting - you need to know the history. Archaeological and restoration work is underway on a large part, but you can also get there if you wish for a fee. The walls outside made a strong impression. There are many interesting legends.

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n777tt

Level 22 Local Expert

A very beautiful place! I advise you to come for a couple of days, no less! It is better to inspect in the evening, in the afternoon it is very hot! Stock up on water, it's expensive in the neighborhood! The locals are very friendly and not intrusive!

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Konstantin Krasnoperov

Level 14 Local Expert

Very original, beautiful. A lot of pleasant impressions. Fairy tales collected in one place.

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Mihail Kurochkin

Level 9 Local Expert

A new model for one day of viewing. It's boring, mostly merchants rule, there is little history.

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петр каравашин

Level 7 Local Expert

The remains of the citadel destroyed by Frunze during the attack on Bukhara, the restored model has almost nothing to see, some primitive exhibitions where Russia seems to have never existed...

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Андрей Тумашов

Level 11 Local Expert

The main architectural and historical landmark of Khiva. Perfectly preserved

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Irene Drobchenko

Level 9 Local Expert

It's good to walk along the wall, the price is adequate, the city is clearly visible. It turns out beautiful photos and generally there is fresh air, atmospheric.

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Андрей Грежещук

Level 16 Local Expert

A very beautiful place where you want to visit again and again

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Сергей Тяпкин

Level 13 Local Expert

Impressive. And it surprises. Thanks to UNESCO for funding some of the restoration work. Few people do not know that there are a huge number of guest houses inside the fortress. You can even check in at the booking office.

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638427 ххх

Level 3 Local Expert

By visiting Kunya Ark, you will see all the beauty of the museum city and will be glad to travel.

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Анжела В.

Level 8 Local Expert

Historical places are imbued with the spirit of antiquity! Immediately you try to imagine yourself in that situation, to try on the way of that life.

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Stas Shelepin

Level 17 Local Expert

The place is like an oriental fairy tale. I still don't understand why Kunya is called and which Kunyamaster erected it. But it's beautiful

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Евгений Гусев

Level 18 Local Expert

They lived inside the walls of the fortress! The place is steeped in antiquity! And here, in my opinion, the most loyal prices for souvenirs, when compared with other cities.

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Тимур Алиев

Level 11 Local Expert

The place is located inside Ichan Kala, here the khan met his subjects during audiences in Uzbek, this is the place of arz Khan) complaints were accepted here and everything was decided fairly)

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HOMAND

Level 13 Local Expert

An atmospheric place with antique buildings. Like it.

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Константин

Level 6 Local Expert

It is interesting to get acquainted with medieval culture.

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Ирина

Level 28 Local Expert

It is kept in excellent condition. A very remarkable place for a tourist. The only obstacle is the abundance of trade in all the monuments.

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Андрей Месионжник

Level 7 Local Expert

An interesting place.It is worth visiting and exploring all the expositions.

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A.D

Level 16 Local Expert

Beautiful, interesting..the story is in every stone. The guides' accompaniment is good.

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Анна

Level 19 Local Expert

Beautiful, lots of weddings

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Зумрад Аллакулиева

Level 5 Local Expert

Historical building

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Владимир З.

Level 7 Local Expert

A place to visit

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Вадим Бадисов

Level 9 Local Expert

Novodel

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Галина Евтюхова

Level 7 Local Expert

I recommend everyone to go to Khiva, it's just an extraordinary oriental fairy tale!

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Александр Федин

Level 15 Local Expert

An atmospheric architectural monument! It's worth getting to Khiva for this

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Gordon Freeman

Level 14 Local Expert

I really liked the fortress, the ancient city and in general it was a pleasure to visit such an ancient architectural monument

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Зафарбек Одамбоев

Level 2 Local Expert

Very beautiful

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Латипов Амир

Level 16 Local Expert

Take a guide, it won't be so interesting without the context of the story

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Айбек Худайберганов

Level 7 Local Expert

My favorite place in childhood ...

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Александр Смирнов

Level 10 Local Expert

It's a very interesting place. The best time to visit Khiva, in my opinion, will be May or October (it's not hot). One day will be enough.

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Асадулло

Level 9 Local Expert

Class

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Azizbek U.

Level 9 Local Expert

It's a great place to travel, there are so many interesting things and it's like we're in historical times

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Николай Сыргий

Level 28 Local Expert

I walked for two days, I couldn't get enough of it. I will definitely visit Khiva again)

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Наталья Проскурнова

Level 9 Local Expert

It is very informative and interesting. I advise you to be there in the middle of August, otherwise you will melt. June, July and early August, the heat inside the city reaches +50C. Take water and panama hats with you each. It's boring with children under the age of 14.

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Лола Ниезова

Level 6 Local Expert

Impressive

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Ирина Агальцева

Level 8 Local Expert

Khiva is an open-air museum, you feel like in a fairy tale

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Елена Мухина

Level 6 Local Expert

The old town is wonderful! There are restaurants and shops for every taste. We need to bargain!

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Муроджан Киличев

Level 7 Local Expert

Beautiful architecture

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Kunya-Ark Citadel

95 reviews