Khoja Islam Minaret

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This morning, we first go to Khoja Islam Minaret, the highest minaret of the town, with a height of 57 m. As a precaution, we take our tripod with the big camera, which together weighs 15 kg. As it quickly shows, it turned out not to be a good decision.

At the foot of the minaret, the climb begins with a narrow wooden staircase about 8 meters high, before we enter the minaret. After that, the staircase doesn’t get wider, but the individual stairs get higher.

It is a difficult climb with the equipment. Above we find out that there is no suitable place to set up the tripod. In addition, the windows are barred, so we can use only the small camera anyway.

But we are pleased about the phenomenal panoramic view of the old town of Khiva.

The light brown clay buildings are a constant reminder that this is an oasis town in the 12th largest desert on earth. One spontaneously looks out to see whether not really a caravan of the silk road arrives.

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When you look at the many madrasas in the town, you might inevitably think of Angkor Wat and the fall of the Khmer Empire in Cambodia. A major cause of the fall of the Khmer empire was the fact that far too many resources were invested in the temples so that in the occurrence of natural disasters, there were no reserves for the working population.

Here one wonders what would have happened if the Russians had not come and the Soviets had closed almost all the madrasas. Again, in our view, too many resources have been devoted to religion.

The descent from the Khoja Islam Minaret is as arduous as the ascent.

Music Museum

We decide to briefly visit the Music Museum to perhaps buy music from Khiva. The Music Museum shows the traditional musical instruments from the region.

In addition, one honors the most famous local musicians from Khiva and show their works.

Kunya-Ark Citadel

Once again we visit the Kunya-Ark Citadel and climb the Ayvan, a two-story terrace to enjoy the view from here. From here we have a wonderful view of the mighty city walls.

In the evening we go to the Café Zarafshon. Due to the temperatures, we eat in the open, even if there are nice set tables inside.

Please read on > Ayaz Kala Fortress