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Amin-Khan Madrasah in Khiva
In the middle of the nineteenth century
Muhammad Amin-khan planned to build a very large ensemble
on the western part of the city, including a madrasas
and minaret. But the war with southern neighbors prevented
him from completing the construction. The madrasah
of Amin-khan is the biggest religious institution
in Khiva, where up to 260 students can study at a time. Its architecture
is peculiar to this type of construction. The composition
of the building is symmetrical and consists of two stories;
the plan is rectangular with a large single yard.
The corners of the madrase are fixed with massive
cylindrical towers (guldastas). The elbow-shaped entrance-hall
is covered with a system of cupolas. There is a mosque
and classrooms on the two sides of the entrance portal.
Small portals are built on the sides of the yard.
Hu-jras on the first floor consist of a dwelling and
subsidiary rooms. The arched openings of the second
floor form a game of light and shade on the fagade.
The main fagade is decorated by the traditional Khorezm
majolica and carved door. The white and blue ribbons
of epigraphies stand against the background of the
polished brick facing. A library and an office of
a Higher Religious Court functioned within.
