Khorezm: History, Nature and Regional Cuisine

Ichan-Kala, the inner fortress of Khiva in the Khorezm region, has a history stretching back more than two thousand years. The complex contains 51 ancient monumental buildings and 250 houses. The Juma Mosque in Ichan-Kala is adorned with 212 columns. Thus, a substantial architectural ensemble and a specific architectural detail come together: the many houses and monumental buildings on one hand, and the mosque’s columns on the other.

Palace architecture in Ichan-Kala

The Nurullabay Palace is located in the northwestern part of Ichan-Kala and consists of four courtyards. The restored palace has nine large and small rooms, a reception room, an archive, a madrasa, as well as quarters for servants and guards. It also has a garden and flower beds. The palace embodies traditional features of Khorezm’s national residential architecture. The four courtyards describe the layout of the building; the different rooms and outdoor areas provide further specific aspects of its architecture.

Archaeological periods

Based on archaeological finds and cultural soil layers, Sulaymonqala is estimated to be at least 2,700 to 2,800 years old. The Qalajiqqal’a archaeological complex includes a fortress that is about 3,000 years old. Both figures are estimates; in Sulaymonqala’s case, the estimate is explicitly linked to finds and soil layers. The Qalajiqqal’a complex also includes a salt lake said to have healing properties. The Qalajiq health center is also located on the site.

Forest, riverbanks and routes

The Khorezm National Nature Park includes a dense tugai forest along the banks of the Amu Darya. The park is also home to the geological and historical site of Uch Uchok, which was formed by the impact of a large meteorite. Thus, the park’s description brings together two distinct natural features: the riverbank landscape and a site of meteoric origin. Ecotourism routes in four directions have also been opened in Khorezm National Nature Park, following the region’s historical and natural attractions.

Dishes from Khorezm

Shivit Oshi is a Khorezm dish: bright green noodles made with dill infusion, served with meat sauce and a sour fermented milk topping. Tukhum Barak is a traditional Khorezm dumpling with an egg-based filling. The two examples differ in their basic form: one is noodles with accompaniments, the other a filled dumpling.

Ulli-Hovli and Ulli Shorkul

Ulli-Hovli is located in the Urgench district of the Khorezm region and was built by Uzbeks and Turkmens in the 17th century. Visitors can ride camels and horses there, as well as stroll through craft workshops and a gallery. This place thus brings together a history of historic construction and various activities described for visitors: riding and tours of the workshops and gallery.

Ulli Shorkul, also known as the “Khorezm Sea,” is a recreation area with a body of water in Yangiarik district. Its name and classification as a recreation area give it a different focus from the region’s fortresses, palaces and archaeological complexes.

Discover more travel destinations: Khiva District, Urgench, Navoi Province, Andijan Province, Bukhara, Samarkand Province, Qashqadaryo Province, Tashkent.

Return to the main travel overview: Uzbekistan.