Islam Khodja Ensemble in Khiva, Uzbekistan

Islam Khodja Ensemble, beneath the tower Islam Khodja Ensemble - the founder Islam Khodja Tower

Islam-Khodja was the first vizier of Khiva khanate under Muhammad Rahim-khan II (1863-1910) and his son Esfendiyar-khan (1910-1920). He sponsored the construction of ginnery, hospital, drugstore, post and telegraph office and secular school in Khiva. In 1908-1910 Islam-Khodja built the ensemble in the southeastern part of Ichan-Qala. It consisted of the smallest in Khiva madrasah and the highest minaret imitating ancient minarets of the 11th-12th centuries. Its top platform (45 meters) is the highest observation point in Khiva. Horizontal belts of dark blue, white, blue and green glazed mosaic decorate the minaret. Its skylight has a stalactite cornice and ceramic lattices - pandjara. The s'mall yard of the madrasah has forty two hudjras. Decor of the main facade makes a good background for the minaret: blue and white majolica, tympans and glazed ornament. The southeastern sector of the madrasah is occupied by a mosque. Its low heavy dome balances vertical position of the minaret. Majolica and carved ganch decorate mihrab niche of the mosque.