Itchan

Itchan most commonly refers to Itchan Kala, the historic walled inner town of Khiva in Uzbekistan. The name derives from Turkic roots, with ich meaning inside and kala meaning fortress or town. Itchan Kala forms the core of the Historic Centre of Khiva, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 1990 for its well-preserved medieval urban fabric and Islamic architecture.

Geography and layout: It is enclosed by earthen ramparts roughly 2.2 kilometers in circumference, with four gates. Inside lies a compact district whose buildings date from the 10th to the 19th centuries, including mosques, madrasahs, caravanserais, and the khan’s fortress. Notable landmarks within Itchan Kala include the Juma Mosque, known for its 213 wooden columns; the Kalta Minor Minaret, an unfinished structure about 29 meters tall; the Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum; and the Islam Khoja Minaret. The Kunya Ark, the former khan’s residence and fortress, is also located inside Itchan Kala.

Significance and preservation: Itchan Kala represents a rare surviving example of Central Asian Islamic urban design and reflects the political and religious centers of the Khiva Khanate. The district is noted for its mud-brick architecture and decorative tilework. It faces preservation challenges from weathering, humidity, and tourism pressure, prompting ongoing conservation efforts to stabilize structures and maintain the historic fabric while allowing responsible visitor access. Itchan Kala remains a major cultural and tourist site in Uzbekistan and a focal point for the study of traditional Central Asian urban planning and architecture.