The Kalta Minor Minaret is a historical minaret in the ancient city of Khiva, located in Uzbekistan. It is renowned for its unfinished status and its striking, tiled exterior. Kalta Minor means 'short minaret' in Uzbek. Despite its incomplete height, it is both a significant architectural sight and a symbol of the city.
Construction of the Kalta Minor Minaret began in 1851 under the direction of Mohammed Amin Khan, who wanted to create the tallest minaret of its time. However, the construction was halted abruptly in 1855 after Khan's death in battle. The minaret remained unfinished, reaching only about half of its intended height.
The Kalta Minor Minaret stands at approximately 29 meters (95 feet) tall. It was originally planned to reach a height of 70-80 meters (230-260 feet).
No, tourists are not allowed to climb the Kalta Minor Minaret. While it is a popular tourist attraction, access to the interior and climbing are restricted due to safety concerns and preservation efforts.
The Kalta Minor Minaret is unique due to its fully tiled exterior, which is covered in intricate blue, green, and turquoise majolica and glazed ceramic tiles. Its unfinished state and thick girth also set it apart from other minarets, as it appears more stout and monumental.
The best time to visit the Kalta Minor Minaret is during spring (April to June) or fall (September to early November), when the weather is mild and conducive to sightseeing. Summers can be very hot, and winters quite cold in Khiva.
The Kalta Minor Minaret can usually be admired from the outside for free. However, if it is included as part of a larger ticketed area within the historic Ichan-Kala fortified inner town, then a fee may apply. Tourists should check the latest information on ticket prices and access restrictions before visiting.
The Kalta Minor Minaret is located within the walled city of Ichan-Kala, which is the historical inner town of Khiva. Nearby attractions include the Islam Khodja Minaret and Mosque, the Juma Mosque with its wooden pillars, the Tash Hauli Palace, and the Khiva Museum of History and Local Lore.
Khiva is accessible by air, with the nearest airport situated in Urgench, approximately 35 kilometers away. From Urgench, tourists can take a taxi or a shared minibus to Khiva. Once in Khiva, the Kalta Minor Minaret is easily accessible on foot within the Ichan-Kala as the historical center is compact and pedestrian-friendly.
Yes, there are guided tours available that include the Kalta Minor Minaret as part of a broader tour of Khiva's historic sites. These tours are often led by knowledgeable guides who can provide insights into the history and architecture of the minaret and surrounding monuments within the Ichan-Kala.
Historical Places (26)
