The palace of Kurnysh Khan

Khiva is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, whose rich architectural heritage is exhibited in the form of an open–air exposition. Within the fortress wall of Ichan Kala, which translates as “inner city", there are beautiful mosques, madrassas and minarets built in the best traditions of the Middle Ages. 

One of the largest attractions of Khiva is the Kunya Ark Citadel, consisting of several buildings, including the Kurnysh Khan Palace.

Built in 1806, the palace preserves the traditional oriental style, according to the rules of which numerous palace halls are decorated.  The palace served as the residence of Khiva khans, where they held official receptions of foreign guests.

The palace includes an extensive courtyard with an aivan, which is reinforced by two columns located on the sides. The walls of the aivan amaze visitors with the splendor of majolica, made in blue colors in the form of floral and geometric ornaments. The throne room, which is decorated with a carved ganch, has a niche in the wall on the south side, where the khan's throne was located. The original of this throne, decorated with silver coinage on a red background, containing lines from the holy Koran, is on display today in the Hermitage. In the palace of Kurnysh Khan there is an artful copy of it.

In addition, the palace housed the storage of the khan's treasury and an extensive library, which contained numerous unique Arabic manuscripts. 

The palace of Kurnysh Khan, striking with its splendor, is successfully combined with the ascetic bastion of Akshih Bobo, located nearby.

The entire Kunya Ark complex, as well as all historical monuments of Ichan Kala, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.