Islam Khoja Minaret & Madrasa
Islom Xo'ja minorasi
Khiva's tallest structure, a striped minaret about 57 m high that visitors can climb. From the top you can see the entire inner town and the desert oasis beyond.
The Islam Khoja Minaret and the madrasa of the same name were built between 1908 and 1910 under the supervision of Islam Khoja, an enlightened minister of the Khanate of Khiva. He also founded a hospital, a post office and a modern school in Khiva, and was later assassinated by conservative forces. At about 57 m including its foundation, the minaret is Khiva's tallest building. Its shaft tapers toward the top and is decorated with bands of white, blue and green glazed tiles, so from afar it looks like a lighthouse. Visitors can climb more than 100 steep, narrow spiral steps to the top. From the small windows near the summit, you can take in the whole inner town: yellow-brown roofs, blue domes, Kalta Minor, and the new town and oasis beyond the walls. The small madrasa beside the minaret now houses the Khorezm Museum of Applied Art, displaying woodcarvings, ceramics, carpets and embroidery. Climbing requires a separate ticket (check the price on site). Getting there: located in the southeast of the inner town, about 100 m from the Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum. Note: the stairs are steep, dim and lack handrails, so you'll need to use both hands and feet. Those afraid of heights or with mobility issues should think twice. Bring a small flashlight.
Opening hours
approx. 09:00–18:00 (tower climb)
Nearby sights
- Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum
- Juma Mosque
- Shergazi Khan Madrasa
- Ak Mosque
- Kutlug Murad Inaq Madrasa
- Anusha Khan Bathhouse
- Sayid Alauddin Mausoleum
- Allakuli Khan Madrasa