Khiva I

Khiva was the first site in Uzbekistan on the UNESCO world heritage list, for a reason. Itchan Kala, the inner town within the first city wall is a living museum. Stunning views from the Islam-Khodja minaret, the minaret of the Djuma Mosque with a forest of wooeden columns inside, and the city wall give an impression. Inside the Tash-Khovli Palace, Pakhlavan Makhmud mausoleum and Kunya-Ark Citadel blue ceramic tiles everywhere in ever varying patterns. In sharp contrast to the well-preseved Itchan Kala, we found living quarters with very poor infrastructure just a short walk outside of the tourist area. It felt inappropriate to takes pictures there.