Nestled within the enchanting walls of Itchan-Kala, the Kunya-Ark Citadel stands as a testament to the military prowess and architectural ingenuity of Khiva. This ancient fortress, steeped in history, has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, making it a significant cultural and historical landmark in the heart of Uzbekistan.
Constructed in the 17th century during the reign of Muhammad Arang Khan, the Kunya-Ark Citadel served as the residence for Khivan khans and a stronghold against external threats. Its strategic location near the western gates of Itchan-Kala made it a vital component in the defense of the city.
The citadel’s architecture reflects the distinctive style of Khorezm, with a harmonious blend of Central Asian, Persian, and Islamic influences. The imposing walls, constructed from mud bricks, create an aura of strength and resilience. The entrance portal, adorned with intricate tilework and geometric patterns, welcomes visitors into a world where history and architecture converge.
Kunya-Ark encompasses a vast territory, featuring an array of structures within its fortified walls. The Khan’s residence, official reception halls, administrative offices, and military facilities coexist within this architectural marvel. The citadel’s layout is a testament to the careful planning that went into creating a multifunctional complex to meet the diverse needs of the ruling elite.
While the majority of structures from the citadel’s early days have faded into history, several buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries endure. These include the official reception hall (kurinishkhana), a mosque, the mint, and a harem. Initially, the ark housed an arsenal, powder-mill, official building, warehouses, kitchen, guardhouses, stable, and parade area, accessed through fortified gates.
The citadel featured an outer yard serving as a waiting area for the khan’s audiences and a second yard with cannons. The third yard hosted officials, leading to the main entrance of the kurinishkhana. A felt yurt (nomad tent) was set up for the khan, with a narrow corridor leading to the harem and a staircase ascending to the Akshikh-bobo mount, providing a strategic military observation point. The closely compacted fortress constructions reveal their charm through splendid aivans in the yards.
The kurinishkhana’s high two-column aivan, where receptions occurred, is entirely adorned with majolica. Destroyed during the 18th-century Iranian invasion, it was later restored by Iltuzar-khan in the 19th century, featuring a throne hall, khan’s quarters, treasury, and manuscript depository. The majolica plates, with cold blue-white and sky-blue patterns, contrast with red murals on the ceiling. The mint building and an asymmetric mosque, constituting a unified complex, were adorned with majolica by Khiva masters Abdulla Jin and Ibadulla.
In the northern part of the citadel, Mukhammad Rahim-khan II built a harem in the second half of the 19th century. The aivans showcase traditional carved ornaments, with separate colored ceramic insertions replacing complete majolica facing. The walls exhibit vibrant plastering and coloring. The elegance of Khiva’s aivans was showcased through skillful carving, stone carving, and decorative ceramics, reflecting the local artists’ and architects’ vision of beauty.
The citadel’s architectural treasures include a bathhouse from 1657 dedicated to Anush-khan. This semi-underground, multi-chambered structure features cupolas seen from outside, a main bathing hall, arched passages, rest houses around the hot-water pool, and a reservoir with cold water. An efficient heating system warms the bathhouse through underfloor canals, exemplifying Khiva’s municipal architecture.
In the 18th century, the Khiva khans’ summer palace, Chadra-hovli, emerged in the outskirts. Comprising four stones, the structure consists of a two-chamber winter building, a second-floor dwelling with aivans facing west and south, and original vertical windows on the northern facade. Built with adobe blocks, fluted facades, and minimal wooden pillar carvings, Chadra-hovli stands as a testament to originality and simplicity in Khivan architecture.
The Khan’s Residence:
At the heart of Kunya-Ark, the Khan’s residence stands as a testament to the opulence and refinement of Khivan rulers. Lavish reception halls, intricately decorated with colorful tiles and carved wooden elements, offer a glimpse into the lifestyle of the khans who once called this citadel home.
Juma Mosque:
One of the notable structures within the citadel is the Juma Mosque, an architectural gem that combines religious and administrative functions. The mosque’s domes and minarets add a spiritual dimension to the fortress, creating a space where the temporal and the divine converge.
Throughout its existence, Kunya-Ark Citadel bore witness to significant historical events, including power struggles, invasions, and the changing tides of Central Asian politics. Its walls echo the footsteps of khans, soldiers, and dignitaries who shaped the destiny of Khiva.
Today, Kunya-Ark Citadel stands as a living museum, thanks to meticulous preservation efforts. Visitors can explore its corridors, ascend its towers, and immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Khiva’s past. The site’s inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List further underscores its global significance.
Kunya-Ark Citadel in Khiva is more than a fortress; it is a living chronicle of Khivan history and resilience. As visitors traverse its storied halls and ascend its towers, they become part of a narrative that spans centuries—a narrative etched into the very stones of this timeless citadel.