Khiva

As the most peculiar city in Uzbekistan, Khiva is located in Xorazm Region, Uzbekistan. According to archaeological data, the city was established around 1500 years ago. It is the former capital of Khwarezmia and the Khanate of Khiva. Itchan Kala in Khiva was the first site in Uzbekistan to be inscribed in the World Heritage List (1991). The astronomer, historian and polymath, Al-Birun (973-1048 CE) was born in either Khiva or the nearby city of Kath. 

Khiva History:

In the first century, A. D. the Afrigid dynasty came to power in Khorezm, who ruled up to the end of the 10century. In this time of period these lands were annexed by the Arabs and became part of the Islamic world. In the 9m-13t centuries, the state of Khorezm-shahs arose in Khorezm and was crushed by the Mongols in the13 century. In the14m-15 centuries Khorezm was a part of the Timurid state, and in the 16 century, it was separated by the Chingizid khans. By the 17th century, Amu-Darya changed its crease and Khiva became the centre of the oasis and the capital of the khanate. In 1873 Russia established a protectorate over the Khanate of Khiva. The Khiva khan was dethroned in 1920 and the Khiva Republic was formed. It was annexed to the USSR and Khiva became an administrative part of Uzbekistan in 1924.

The Etymology of Khiva:

The origin of the name Khiva is unknown, but many contradictory stories have been written to explain it.

The traditional story attributed the name to a son of the prophet Noah: "It is said that Shem from whence the word Semitic is derived, after the flood, he found himself wandering in the desert alone. Having fallen asleep, he dreamt of 300 burning torches. On waking up, he was pleased with this omen, he founded the city with outlines in the form of a ship mapped out according to the placement of the torches, about which he had dreamt. Then Sim dug the 'Kheyvak' well, the water from which had a surprising taste. It is possible to see this well in Ichan-Kala (an internal town of Khiva City) even today."

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