Muhammad Rahim-khan Madrasah stands as a testament to the enlightened reign of Muhammad Rahim-khan, a highly educated ruler of the Kungrat dynasty who ascended to power in Khiva in 1770. His rule marked a period of comprehensive reforms, spanning urban development, policy, and economy. However, the most noteworthy of his initiatives was in the realm of education, where groundbreaking reforms paved the way for the establishment of the first “new type” schools in Khiva. These schools not only delved into religious teachings but also embraced a broader curriculum, incorporating secular subjects such as mathematics, astronomy, and geography.
The pinnacle of Muhammad Rahim-khan’s educational reforms manifested in the construction of one of Central Asia’s largest madrasahs, dedicated to his own legacy. The Muhammad Rahim-khan Madrasah went beyond the conventional religious teachings, offering a curriculum that included a diverse range of subjects. Students engaged not only in theological studies but also in mathematics, astronomy, and geography. The educational environment fostered intellectual pursuits, with students composing poetry and participating in debates.
Distinguishing itself from traditional Islamic universities, the Muhammad Rahim-khan Madrasah owed much of its unique educational approach to the enlightened monarch himself. Muhammad Rahim-khan, known for his literary pursuits under the pseudonym Feruz, actively participated in discussions with the madrasah students, further enhancing the academic atmosphere.