Khiva

Khiva is known to have existed as long as trading caravans called there, and certainly at the beginning of the Christian era.  However the buildings that remain are from the Islamic era, with many restored in the nineteenth century..

Khiva is a walled city.  This is the Southern Gate.  The original walls were apparently destroyed in 1220 by the Mongol invaders and the slopes were used to bury the dead.  Presumably this fitted in with the Zoroastrian desire to not defile the soil.  Or perhaps it was easier?  The present walls date from the 17th century.  After 1873, it came under Russian rule.

And the walls

and the tombs

  and another shot of another part of the walls.

The western gate.  Our guide, Sanjar.

Large map of the Silk Road.

The Kalta Minor Minaret. This is an icon of Khiva.  It was begun in 1852 on the order of the ruler, Mohammad Amin-Khan.  But it was abandoned upon his death in 1855.  Reasons appear to be speculative.  It is still beautiful.

The Djuma Mosque and minaret.

There are 212 wooden pillars, all different.  Twenty one date from the 10-12th centuries with Arabic inscriptions.  The rest are from the 18-19th centuries. A harsh dry climate - they could all have done with some linseed oil, IMHO.  And Rob, the first pic of your doppelganger - the fellow in the white hat.