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The mud-brick walls of Itchan Kala

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Itchan Kala, Khiva

Itchan Kala · Khiva, Uzbekistan

Photo: Bgag · CC0

An open-air museum on the Silk Road, Central Asia's best-preserved walled medieval city.

Know before you go

  • Don't climb the city walls or minarets that aren't open to visitors
  • ask before photographing local people (especially the elderly and children).

This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.

Culture

Culture & customs

Background

Itchan Kala means 'inner city', the heart of Khiva enclosed by mud-brick walls; in 1990 it became Uzbekistan's first World Heritage Site. Inside, mosques, madrasas, palaces and minarets crowd together: the unfinished Kalta Minor minaret is famous for its turquoise tiles, and the Juma Mosque has more than 200 carved wooden columns. The city was capital of the Khanate of Khwarazm.

Local customs

  • The inner city is mostly pedestrian, with uneven stone paving, so wear non-slip shoes. People still live inside, among workshops and guesthouses
  • respect their privacy and don't push open the doors of homes.

Religion & beliefs

  • Most mosques and mausoleums in the city are still in religious use: dress appropriately and keep quiet
  • women are advised to cover their hair in religious buildings.

Etiquette

Etiquette & taboos

Rules that apply here

Red lineEveryday mannersUzbekistan

Uzbekistan: change money only at official outlets

  • Change money at official exchange points, and get cash in big cities before heading to smaller places
  • Changing money on the black market

Black-market currency exchange is illegal.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Uzbekistan travel advice

Red lineEveryday mannersUzbekistan

Uzbekistan: always carry your passport

  • Carry your original passport at all times
  • Leaving your passport at the hotel

The law requires you to carry it; police check often, and you may be fined or arrested if you don't.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Uzbekistan travel advice

TabooPhotos & dronesUzbekistan

Uzbekistan: check before you take photos

  • Ask before taking photos near airports, border posts, military bases, bridges, police stations and metro stations
  • Photographing government buildings

It may annoy the authorities; posting content on social media that disrespects the flag, food or customs can lead to fines or detention.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Uzbekistan travel advice

Don’t DON'T

  • Don't climb the city walls or minarets that aren't open to visitors
  • ask before photographing local people (especially the elderly and children).

Locals appreciate DO

  • The people of Khiva are proud of their old city and like to walk on the walls at dusk
  • local woodcarving, carpets and turquoise jewellery are popular.

Plan your visit

Practical info

Travel tips

  • The old city is beautifully lit at night, so stay a night to see it. Trains run from Khiva to Bukhara and Samarkand
  • check timetables on official websites.

Eat nearby

What to eat nearby

Must-try

  • Shivit oshi (green dill noodles)
  • Plov
  • Baked buns (samsa)

Khiva green noodles (shivit oshi, dill noodles with yoghurt), plov (Khorezm style), samsa, non, melons (local melons are famous)

Where to eatGuesthouse restaurants inside the inner town, markets and restaurants in the new town outside the gates
Dining etiquetteKhorezm is relatively conservative — dress appropriately, and keep a low profile during Ramadan
Typical price per personUZS 55,000–100,000 ≈ CNY 30–55
TipsThere's little choice for dinner inside the inner town, so order meals in advance if staying at a guesthouse; shivit oshi is a must-order only around Khiva.

Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.

Shivit oshi (green dill noodles)
Shivit oshi (green dill noodles)
Jamshid Nurkulov · CC BY-SA 4.0

Photos

Photos

The mud-brick walls of Itchan Kala
The mud-brick walls of Itchan Kala
Bgag · CC0
The walls and gates of Itchan Kala
The walls and gates of Itchan Kala
Adam Harangozó · CC BY-SA 4.0
The Islam Khoja Minaret, Khiva
The Islam Khoja Minaret, Khiva
Petar Milošević · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sources & verification notes

Wikipedia：Itchan Kala

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