Ichan Kala - hearth of spirituality

UzA (Shake Khudoyberganov)- As a result of creative work, carried out under the leadership of President Islam Karimov, Khiva also became one of the world’s tourist destinations. For the last period, many historical monuments, like the Ancient Ark, Tash Havli, and Mausoleum of Pahlavan Mahmud were restored. At present, the work in this direction continues sequentially. 

Khiva, attracting tourists from all over the world, has over 100 architectural monuments. The State Museum-Reserve “Ichan Kala,” listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most prestigious museums in the world. Its appearance transformed as a result of the work in connection with the 2,500-year anniversary of Khiva and the 1,000th anniversary of Khorezm Mamun Academy.

According to Director of “Ichan Kala” Batyr Davlatov, a special attention is paid to the restoration of monuments of scientific and historical importance, the discovery of expositions and exhibitions to promote objective coverage of our rich history and restoration of existing exhibits, reprint historical books, further strengthening in the minds of our people the feelings of national pride and love for the motherland.

The museum works closely with public schools, academic lyceums, professional colleges, historical and architectural departments of Urgench State University, Urgench branch of the Tashkent University of Information Technologies and the Tashkent Medical Academy. With participation of young people, it regularly hosts cultural and educational activities that enrich students’ knowledge of our history, great ancestors and rich cultural heritage, educating boys and girls learn to respect and honor our past and devotion to the ideas of independence.

The open-air museum in the form of an open lesson holds classes on the subject of “History of Uzbekistan,” “Fundamentals of spirituality,” as well as lectures on the history of Khorezm on the theme of “Museum and School” and “Museum and Mahalla.”

Together with scientists of Khorezm Academy of Mamun and Japan’s Kyoto University as well as the specialists of the Fund “Forum of Culture and Arts of Uzbekistan,” the museum staff conducts research to monitor the condition and preservation of historical and architectural monuments, the main purpose of which is a deep study of ancient archaeological sites, historical documents and their wide promotion.

Museum concluded cooperation agreements with 32 travel agencies in the world. It also gives due attention to the provision of exemplary service to foreign guests. Information about the tourism potential of the city is regularly placed on the website of the museum. --- UzA