Travel to Uzbekistan: Khiva: Kukhna Ark
The Kukhna Ark ("Old Fortress") was built in the 18th and early 19th centuries, but the emirs abandoned it later that century in favor of the Tash Hauli, a new palace on the other side of the city.
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The entrance.
Just inside the gate: a plaza with a view of the Kalta Minaret.
The kurnysh-khana, or throne room, built between 1804 and 1806 for official receptions.
Tile ornamentation of the iwan.
Wall panel.
Opposite panel.
One of many unique doors.
A second.
A third.
Around a corner or two: the summer mosque--a deeper iwan, with two rows of earthquake-resistant pillars.
A modest pulpit for the imam.
Detail of the mihrab.
Iwan ceiling.