Tash Hauli Palace

Tosh Hovli saroyi

The 19th-century 'Stone Courtyard' palace of the Khan of Khiva. The porticoes around its harem courtyard are fully covered in blue and white majolica tiles, the finest decorative art in Khiva.

Tash Hauli ('Stone Courtyard') Palace was built by Allakuli Khan between 1830 and 1838 near the east gate of Ichan Kala. It has more than 160 rooms and three main courtyards: the harem, the reception courtyard (ishrat khauli) and the court of justice. The most splendid is the harem courtyard. Along its south side stand five tall wooden-pillared porticoes (iwan), belonging to the khan and his four principal wives. The walls are covered from floor to ceiling in blue, white and turquoise majolica tiles, with geometric and floral patterns interwoven, and the carved wooden columns and painted ceilings are exquisite. The north side housed the concubines and maids. In the center of the reception courtyard is a round brick platform, used to set up a felt tent for receiving envoys, which reflects the blend of nomadic and settled culture in the Khanate of Khiva. Admission is included in the Ichan Kala combined ticket. The palace is in the eastern part of Ichan Kala, a three-minute walk from Juma Mosque. Some rooms are dim, so use the night mode on your phone when photographing the tiles, and do not touch the tiled walls.

Tash Hauli Palace

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