Islam Khoja Minaret and Madrasah Tourism

The Islam Khoja Minaret and Madrasah is an iconic architectural complex located in the historic city of Khiva, within the Khorezm Region of Uzbekistan. Built in 1908 by Islam Khoja, the vizier of the Khiva Khanate, the complex consists of a minaret and an adjacent madrasah or educational institution. The minaret is the highest in Khiva, measuring 57 meters in height, and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the vast Kyzylkum desert beyond from its observation deck. Its intricate mosaic tiles in vibrant turquoise and blue showcase the exquisite craftsmanship of Khivan artisans. The madrasah serves as an example of Islamic education of the time and features a courtyard surrounded by student chambers and a mosque. It is considered to be one of the finest examples of early 20th-century architecture in Central Asia. Today, the Islam Khoja complex remains a major tourist attraction and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Itchan Kala.