Attractions of Khiva Ichan-Kala

Chashma-Ayub, Bukhara

In Central Asia, there exist a great many places which were presumably visited by saints many centuries ago.
One of them is the Chashma-Ayub well, translated as Saint Job’s Source. A legend has it that the Bible prophet Job, having visited this land, decided to help the people who suffered from water shortage in the desert. He struck the ground with his stick, making a source of crystal clear water sprang at that place.
The people believe that the water from the source possesses healing power. A mausoleum is erected over the source. It is shaped in a form of an oblong prism. The building is crowned with domes, different in form. Over the main building with the source there is a special double dome with a conical “cap”.

Djami Mosque, Bukhara

Straight before the entrance into Ark, you can see the ayvan of palace mosque – Djami, it was built in 18 century like type of large quarterly mosque: four-pillared winter garden, surrounded by three-side ayvan. Design of interieur is typical for 19 century – beginning of 20 century. Last repairment was made in 1910-1920 with the participation of famous Uzbek master Usto-Shirin Muradov, making out fretwork on ganch.

Fayzabad Khanqah, Bukhara

Fayzabad Khanqah was built in 1598-1599 by the famous Sufi Mavlono Poyand-Mukhammad Ahsi (Ahsiketi) Fayzobodi, who died two years later in 1601. The building had two functions. This mosque-khaqah was intended both for five-fold everyday prayers (namaz) and for friday prayers. It was also the place of Sufi rites and the temporary residence of dervishes.
Khanqah of Fayzabad is the wonderful creation of that time. Its hall as large, high and light as the palace. The refinement, elegance and nobility runs through the whole architecture of the khanqah. The central hall has two wings of through arched galleries with domes. Behind the mihrad (nishe, indicating the direction to Mekka) there is the three-storey building of khudjras (cells) for residence of dervishes. The dome of interior is decorated with the impressive fretwork of ganch in the style of "chaspak"