Complex Islom Khoja

Complex Islom Khoja

This almost modern complex, Dating back to the beginning of the XX century, includes a minaret and madrasah, United under the name of Islam Khoja-the Prime Minister of Khiva Khan Isfandiyar. The minaret of Islam Khoja is called a symbol of Khiva. Made according to the ancient standards of architecture of the XIV century, with a wide base and noticeably narrowing up the tower, designed to call the faithful to prayer, was built by order and at the expense of Islam Khoja – the chief vizier (Prime Minister) of the Khiva khanate under Muhammad Rahim Khan II (1864-1910). Its shape, narrowed up, goes back to the early examples of architecture (XIV century). On the minaret, the brickwork alternates with bands of glazed patterns. The height of the minaret is 56.6 meters, the diameter of the base is 9.5 meters. At an altitude of 45 meters, there is an observation platform from which the city is visible at a glance. From this highest point of Khiva offers an unforgettable view of its attractions, of which there are more than six dozen. The upper part of the minaret is decorated with traditional ganch (panjar) lattices, a cornice and a small dome, under which there is a room for the muezzin (Herald). Just behind the minaret is a madrasah. It has 42 cells and a small hall. The skill of the architects can be seen in contrasting combinations of architectural forms, skillfully used in a limited space. The mihrab niche is decorated with majolica and ganch carvings. The facade is finished with glaze. Islam-Khoja complex is considered to be one of the most beautiful sights of Khiva.