Kalta Minor

History

Kalta Minor was commissioned by Muhammad Amin Khan of the Khiva Khanate, who wanted the largest and tallest minaret in the Muslim world. The plan called for a height of 70-80 metres, with the diameter narrowing sharply toward the top to add stability. Some sources mention an intended height of 110 metres. The base is 14.2 metres across.

Construction began in 1852 and stopped abruptly in 1855, when the tower had reached about 29 metres. According to the Khivan historian and poet Ogahi, work ended because Muhammad Amin Khan was killed in battle near Sarakhs that year. The name means 'short minaret', and it is the unfinished state that has made the tower famous.

Inscriptions on the minaret were damaged during the Soviet period and were restored after independence using Ogahi's manuscript. A wider restoration took place in 1996-97, around the celebrations of Khiva's 2,500th anniversary.

What to see

The minaret stands inside Itchan Kala, in front of the Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasa, and is sometimes regarded as part of it. Its best-known feature is that it is the only minaret covered entirely in glazed tile. White, green and turquoise dominate, with geometric patterns wrapping the shaft, which is why it is also called the blue minaret.

Look for the inscriptions in nasta'liq script, bearing Persian verses by Ogahi. Seen against the old city walls and neighbouring monuments, its stout silhouette makes for striking photographs.

Visiting tips

Kalta Minor lies on the main walking route through Itchan Kala, so it is easy to include in any visit to Khiva. Morning and late afternoon light brings out the tile colours best, and midday can be very hot in summer.

A wooden staircase is described inside the minaret, but check before you go whether climbing is possible, what the entry arrangements are and whether any tickets are required. Opening arrangements in the neighbouring madrasa can also change.