{"id":12555,"date":"2023-03-09T14:28:32","date_gmt":"2023-03-09T14:28:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/khiva-uzbekistan\/"},"modified":"2024-02-15T09:27:27","modified_gmt":"2024-02-15T09:27:27","slug":"khiva-uzbekistan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ulysses.travel\/en\/khiva-uzbekistan\/","title":{"rendered":"Khiva in Uzbekistan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Khiva is an absolute must-visit! Situated in the heart of a desert oasis in the western part of the country, this place is a true hidden gem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Khiva in a nutshell<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Situated in the western part of Uzbekistan, amidst a desert oasis, Khiva (also known as ‘Xiva<\/em>‘ in Uzbek) is one of Captain Ulysses’ favorites in the country! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite its dark past\nas a hub for the brutal slave trade along the Silk\nRoad, this small town has transformed into a peaceful and enchanting city. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While some criticize Khiva for becoming a ‘tourist trap’\n(with the old town closed to vehicles and most shops\ncatering to tourists), it still remains a true gem and is definitely\nworth a visit! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Khiva-Itchan-Qala\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Khiva-Itchan-Qala\"<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Brief history of Khiva<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Legend has it that Khiva was founded by Sem,\nson of Noah, at the location where he discovered a well known as the Keivah well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Until the 16th century, Khiva was a secondary city on the Silk Road. Despite being a cultural hub that attracted scholars, including Avicenna (a renowned Muslim physician and philosopher from the Middle Ages), the city was plagued with political and military instability and fell prey to many conquerors such as Persians, Greeks, Arabs, and Mongols.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the 16th century, Khiva became the capital of the new Khanate of Khiva, a kingdom ruled by a khan, <\/em>and was home to one of the most prosperous slave markets on the Silk Road. Itchan Kala, the old town of Khiva (meaning ‘inner city’ in Turkish), was the last stop for caravan traders before crossing the desert to Persia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By the end of the 19th century, the Khanate of Khiva fell to the Russians and became a protectorate. Half a century later, it was replaced by the People’s Republic of Khorezm, which was eventually absorbed into the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic in 1924.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since 1990, Itchan Qala, the inner city of Khiva,\nhas been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Khiva-Itchan-Qala\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How long should you stay in Khiva?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Despite being less well-known than Samarkand or Bukhara, Khiva is one of Captain Ulysses’ top picks in Uzbekistan. He strongly recommends taking some time to explore this city. A day and a half is enough to see the main sites and monuments in Itchan-Qala, Khiva’s old town. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the Captain suggests extending your stay to explore the fortresses of Elliq-Qala in the Republic of Karakalpakstan (an autonomous region within Uzbekistan), which are easily accessible by car from Khiva. A half-day excursion is enough to see the main remains in the area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting to Khiva<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To get to Khiva, there are several options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n