KOI DARVOZA - EASTERN GATES

Built in the ^19th century, they are located on Palvan Kari Street, which runs from the eastern gates of the inner city. While their architecture is reminiscent of the Ichan kala gates, their appearance is much more massive and devoid of decoration. Between Palvan Darvoza and Koï Darvoza stood a large bazaar where animals, horses, sheep, camels and slaves were sold. Today, a bazaar is still present, still very colorful and lively, but the merchandise has evolved. It's on the left as you leave Ichan kala via the eastern gate.

Two minarets stand in line with the gate. The first is that of the Sayyid Niyaz Shalikarbey mosque. Built between 1835 and 1845, it is one of the oldest minarets in Khiva. At 24 m high, its flared, cap-shaped top is decorated with muqarnas (small honeycomb niches known as honeycomb stalactites), more akin to the minarets of the Registan in Samarkand. A little further on, the Palvan Kari minaret gives up 3 m to the first, with a height of 21 m. More recent, it was erected in 1905 and takes its name from the wealthy merchant who undertook its construction (as well as that of the adjacent madrasa and mosque). Simpler in architecture than its predecessor, it appears more massive and its crown less imposing.

Looking towards Ichan kala, you can see the impeccable alignment of these two minarets, with the minaret of the Friday mosque in perspective.