Vol. 2 No. 4 (2026), Articles
Vol. 2 No. 4 (2026)

KHIVA – A LIVING MUSEUM OF THE SILK ROAD

Articles
Published 2026-01-07
Begjanova Zuhro Qudratovna
2nd year student of the Faculty of English Philology and Translation Studies, Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages
Pardayeva Aziza Rahmatilloyevna
Senior teacher, Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages
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Keywords

Khiva; Ichan-Kala; Great Silk Road; urban planning; architectural heritage; archaeological research; Khorezm civilization; medieval cities; cultural heritage preservation; UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Abstract

This article examines the historical development of Khiva as a unique urban and cultural center of the Silk Road. Based on archaeological findings and written historical sources, the stages of the city’s formation from ancient times, its defensive system, architectural features, and the role of Ichan-Kala as a preserved urban space are analyzed. Special attention is given to Khiva’s role in regional and international cultural relations and to the preservation of its historical and architectural heritage. The study substantiates Khiva’s outstanding value as a living museum of world civilization.

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References

1. Tolstov, S. P. Ancient Khorezm. Moscow, 1948. Used as a primary source for analyzing the ancient history of Khorezm and Khiva, including archaeological evidence, early urban development, and defensive structures.

2. Gulyamov, Y. History of Khorezm. Tashkent, 1970. Applied to substantiate the origin of Khiva in the 5th–6th centuries BC, based on archaeological layers and ceramic findings.

3. Abu al-Ghazi Bahadur Khan. Shajara-i Turk. Utilized to describe the political and historical role of Khiva during the Khiva Khanate, as well as the city’s status as a capital.

4. Istakhri. Kitab al-Masalik wa al-Mamalik (The Book of Routes and Kingdoms). Used to explain Khiva’s geographical position and importance on the Great Silk Road and its role in regional trade networks.

5. Al-Muqaddasi. Ahsan al-Taqasim fi Ma‘rifat al-Aqalim (The Best Divisions for Knowledge of the Regions). Applied to describe urban development, economic life, and population characteristics of Khiva in the medieval period.

6. Yaqut al-Hamawi. Mu‘jam al-Buldan (Dictionary of Countries). Used as a historical-geographical source for identifying Khiva as a major city located on caravan routes in Central Asia.

7. Ahmedov, B. Urban Culture of Central Asia. Tashkent, 2001. Utilized to analyze the architectural structure of Khiva, including Ichan-Kala and Dishan-Kala, and their urban planning features.

8. UNESCO. Itchan Kala – World Heritage Site. 1990. Used to substantiate the outstanding universal value of Ichan-Kala, its inclusion in the World Heritage List, and modern heritage preservation policies.