Cities and regions／Uzbekistan
Place of interest ·

Ichan Kala

Ichan Kala is Khiva’s walled core and a lived-in historic city. Its compact precinct is explored on foot among walls, courtyards, homes, mosques and madrasas; spreading the visit across several walks allows for a calmer pace.

Ichan Kala
Photo by Petar Milošević Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0
The place

What makes it special

  • Kunya Ark offers a look at the former citadel and its spaces of power.
  • Juma Mosque is known for its prayer hall supported by more than two hundred wooden pillars.
  • The courtyards of Tash Hauli reveal different palace uses and circulation.
Ichan Kala
Photo by TravelingOtter Source: Flickr: Creative Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 2.0
Ichan Kala
Photo by TravelingOtter Source: Flickr: Creative Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 2.0
Travel atlas

Articles in Ichan Kala

Guides to this place

1 article

Ichan Kala

journal.travel Editorial

Guides to this place

1 related guides

Earthen city wall and quiet lane in Itchan Kala, Khiva.

Khiva on foot through Itchan Kala as the day empties

A leisurely route through Khiva’s walled city to decide where to sleep, what to see slowly and how to arrive without turning the site into a race between monuments.

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Information in context

Sources and references

This profile summarises our destination guides. Their research sources and the geographical reference are listed below.

Profile updated: 11/10/2026