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Islam Khoja Minaret

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Islam Khoja Minaret (Uzbekistan)

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The Islam Khoja Minaret, standing at 56.6 meters, is the tallest structure in Khiva and an unmistakable landmark of the city. It was built between 1908 and 1910 on the initiative of Islam Khoja, the Grand Vizier of the Khanate of Khiva. The structure is distinguished by its elegant, tapering form, decorated with horizontal bands of blue, white, and turquoise ceramic tiles. While its architecture draws inspiration from 12th-century classical models, it utilizes the refined craftsmanship of the early 20th century. The minaret is part of a complex that includes a namesake madrasah, which now houses a museum of applied arts. Thanks to its massive construction and deep foundation, the minaret has survived numerous regional earthquakes unscathed. Visitors can climb the internal spiral staircase to the gallery for a panoramic view over the entire Itchan Kala old city. It represents the final great phase of traditional Islamic architecture in Khiva.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-3-18152429312922134-2
Rain mm91420161041114910

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Islam Khoja Minaret is part of Khiva's historic center and can be visited along with the old town. Climbing the minaret is possible for visitors.
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Typical hours
Khiva's old town is typically open daily 9 AM to 5 PM, with the minaret having similar hours. Extended hours may apply in peak season.
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Photography
From the minaret you get an excellent view over the entire old town - a must for photographers. Inside the surrounding madrassas, photography is usually allowed without flash.
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Time needed
Climbing the minaret takes just a few minutes, but allow at least three hours for the entire old town. The minaret itself requires about 20 minutes.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with the Ichon-Qala fortress district and other old town sights. The nearby Tosh-Hovli Palace is also worth a visit.
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Getting there
Khiva is located in Uzbekistan's desert, reachable by train from Urganch (about 35 km). Taxis are available from the station to the old town.
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Insider tip
Visit the minaret late afternoon for golden light and fewer crowds. Combine with a traditional tea break at a nearby tea house.

Geography

Coordinates
41.37620, 60.36030

Facts

  • The minaret has a base diameter of 9.5 meters.
  • A total of 14 decorative rings of glazed tiles adorn the tower's shaft.
  • The master architect of the project was the renowned Khudaybergen Hadji.
  • Islam Khoja, the patron, was known for introducing progressive reforms in the Khanate.
  • The viewing platform at the top is reached by a flight of 118 steps.
  • The structure is frequently referred to as the 'Lighthouse of Khiva' by locals.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

KhivaKhiva<1 km · EExplore →
Khorezm Melon FieldsKhorezm Melon Fields30 km · NExplore →
UrgenchUrgench32 km · NExplore →
Badai-Tugai Nature ReserveBadai-Tugai Nature Reserve33 km · EExplore →
Dashoguz Cotton Spinning MillDashoguz Cotton Spinning Mill50 km · SEExplore →
Toprak KalaToprak Kala60 km · NEExplore →
GöroglyGörogly67 km · SExplore →
TurtkulTurtkul72 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Islam Khoja Minaret (3)

Otojonboy Madrasah🏺 historical

A 19th-century monument with a classic brick facade and former student cells.

Dishan - Kala🏺 historical

Another section of the mud-brick walls surrounding the outer city of Dishan-Kala.

Dasha kala steny📍 landmark

The extensive mud-brick fortification walls encompassing the outskirts of Khiva.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How high is the minaret?
It is about 45 meters high and a landmark of Khiva.
Can you climb it?
Yes, climbing is often possible, but it is very narrow and steep.
When was it built?
It was built at the beginning of the 20th century.
Is there a good viewpoint?
Yes, the view from the top has the best panorama of the old town.
Is access paid?
Yes, a small ticket is required for climbing.
Islam Khoja Minaret: where is it located?
Islam Khoja Minaret is located in Uzbekistan.
Islam Khoja Minaret: what is there to see?
Highlights include Otojonboy Madrasah, Dishan - Kala, Dasha kala steny.
Islam Khoja Minaret: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Sep.
Islam Khoja Minaret: why is it worth visiting?
The Islam Khoja Minaret, standing at 56.6 meters, is the tallest structure in Khiva and an unmistakable landmark of the city.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Khiva — Islam Khoja Minaret (Uzbekistan)
Khiva
A stunning oasis city whose old town is a living open-air museum.
Urgench — Islam Khoja Minaret (Uzbekistan)
Urgench
Administrative center of the Khorezm region and starting point for trips to Khiva.
Görogly — Islam Khoja Minaret (Uzbekistan)
Görogly
A growing agricultural town in the Daşoguz Region.
Turtkul — Islam Khoja Minaret (Uzbekistan)
Turtkul
A former capital of Karakalpakstan, located on the banks of the Amu Darya.

History & landmarks

Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum — Islam Khoja Minaret (Uzbekistan)
Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum
The tomb of the patron saint of Khiva is famous for its spectacular green dome and richly decorated interior.
Kalta Minor — Islam Khoja Minaret (Uzbekistan)
Kalta Minor
An unfinished minaret in Khiva, completely covered in stunning turquoise tiles.
Tash-Khauli Palace — Islam Khoja Minaret (Uzbekistan)
Tash-Khauli Palace
The "Stone Courtyard" palace in Khiva is known for its intricate wooden decorations and magnificent tile ornaments.

More places

Ichan Kala — Islam Khoja Minaret (Uzbekistan)
Ichan Kala
The walled inner city of Khiva is a massive open-air museum full of old mosques and palaces.
Juma Mosque of Khiva — Islam Khoja Minaret (Uzbekistan)
Juma Mosque of Khiva
This unique mosque is characterized by over two hundred hand-carved wooden pillars that support its flat roof.
Khorezm Melon Fields — Islam Khoja Minaret (Uzbekistan)
Khorezm Melon Fields
Agricultural areas in the northwest of the country, famous for the sweetest and most aromatic melons in Central Asia.
🗺️
Badai-Tugai Nature Reserve
A unique forest reserve in Karakalpakstan, preserving the last remnants of the riparian forests (tugai) along the Amu Darya river.
🗺️
Dashoguz Cotton Spinning Mill
A large textile factory in the north of the country that processes locally grown cotton into high-quality yarns.
Toprak Kala — Islam Khoja Minaret (Uzbekistan)
Toprak Kala
The ruins of the ancient capital of Khorezm, which reveal a huge palace and a complex city structure.