Itchan Kala, Khiva
Itchan Kala is the inner town of the old Khiva oasis, the last resting place of caravans before crossing the desert to Iran. Although a few ancient monuments remain, it is a coherent and well-preserved example of the Muslim architecture of Central Asia. There are several outstanding structures, such as the Djuma Mosque, the mausoleums, and the madrasas, and two magnificent palaces built at the beginning of the 19th century by Alla-Kulli-Khan.
Martin Gray is a cultural anthropologist, writer and photographer specializing in the study of pilgrimage traditions and sacred sites around the world. During a 40 year period he has visited more than 2000 pilgrimage places in 165 countries. The World Pilgrimage Guide at sacredsites.com is the most comprehensive source of information on this subject.