Richard And Jo Demeester's photos with the keyword: Khiva

At the western end of town, from the watchtower in the old inner fortress.

The squat Kalta Minor Minaret was destined to be much taller. The death of the sponsor meant work stopped, and the project never resumed.

I don't know if it was law or superstition, but there was a time when anyone who died in the city had to be buried within the walls, and if a person were to perish while away, their body could not be brought in. These graves along the walls were probably for people who were supposed to rest within, but they met their demise while away, so this was the closest burial spot that could be used.

Hundreds of wooden pillars in the cool dark interior of this Khiva mosque create a calming and reflective mood. Some of the columns have come from the earliest mosque on this site, making them over 1000 years old.

Distinguished telework in the mausoleum of Khiva's patron saint, a 13th century poet, philosopher, and wrestler. Mulpiple pilgrims chose to ignore the signs asking visitors to not bow to the tombs, or kiss them, but nobody seemed interested in enforcing the posted requests. Thankfully there were no attempts to carry out the equally prohibited act of animal sacrifice.

We came on the overnight train from Bukhara, arriving at the very respectable time of 8 a.m. Khiva train station is east of the old centre, known as Ichon-Qala. So our pleasant walk to town accompanied the growing light on the walls, minarets, and domes.

Reminiscent of a light house, this is Uzbekistan's tallest. It is also the most recent built Islamic monument in Ichon-Qala, at a very young 112 years old.