Khiva is a beautifully preserved ancient city in western Uzbekistan, located near the border with Turkmenistan. It was once the capital of the Khiva Khanate and served as an important Silk Road trading post. Today, Khiva is best known for its stunning old town, Itchan Kala, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enclosed by ancient mud-brick walls, Itchan Kala is home to over 50 historic monuments and hundreds of traditional houses, including the Kalta Minor Minaret, Juma Mosque, and the Kunya-Ark fortress. The city feels like an open-air museum, where visitors can experience the charm of centuries-old Islamic architecture and Central Asian craftsmanship. Khiva offers a quiet, atmospheric glimpse into the region’s past and is a treasured symbol of Uzbekistan’s cultural legacy.