Khiva: The Timeless Oasis of the Silk Road

• HelloSalom
  [sah-LOHM]
• GoodbyeXayr
  [khayr]
• YesHa
  [hah]
• NoYo'q
  [yohk]
• Please/You're welcomeIltimos
  [eel-tee-MOHS]
• Thank youRahmat
  [rahk-MAHT]
• Excuse me/SorryKechirasiz
  [keh-chee-RAH-sees]
• How are you?Qalaysiz?
  [kah-LAH-siz]
• Fine. And you?Yaxshi, sizchi?
  [yahk-SHEE, seesh-CHEE]
• Do you speak English?Inglizcha gapirasizmi?
  [een-gleez-CHAH gah-pee-RAH-sees-mee]
• I don't understandTushunmadim
  [toosh-oon-MAH-deem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenyuni ko'rsatib berasizmi, iltimos
  [mehn-YOO-nee kohr-SAH-teeb beh-RAH-sees-mee, eel-tee-MOHS]
• I don't eat meatMen go'sht yemayman
  [mehn gohshst yeh-MAHY-mahn]
• Cheers!Salomatliklar!
  [sah-loh-MAHT-leek-lahr]
• I would like to pay, pleaseTo'lovni berasizmi, iltimos
  [toh-lawv-nee beh-RAH-sees-mee, eel-tee-MOHS]

• Help!Yordam!
  [yohr-DAHM]
• Go away!Uzoqqa ket!
  [oo-ZOHK-kah keht]
• Call the Police!Politsiyani chaqiring!
  [poh-lee-tsee-YAH-nee chah-keer-eeng]
• Call a doctor!Tabibni chaqiring!
  [tah-BEEB-nee chah-keer-eeng]
• I'm lostYo'l yo'qolganman
  [yohl yoh-kohl-GAHN-mahn]
• I'm illKasalman
  [kah-SAHL-mahn]

• I'd like to buy...Sotib olmoqchiman...
  [soh-teeb ohl-mohch-ee-MAHN]
• I'm just lookingFaqat ko'rib chiqmoqchiman
  [fah-KAHT koh-reep cheek-mohch-ee-MAHN]
• How much is it?Bu qancha?
  [boo kahn-CHAH]
• That's too expensiveBu juda qimmat
  [boo joo-DAH keem-MAHT]
• Can you lower the price?Narxini pastga tushirishingiz mumkinmi?
  [NAHR-nee-nee pahst-gah too-shee-REEN-gee-z moom-KEEN-mee]

• What time is it?Soat nechada?
  [soh-AHT neh-CHAH-dah]
• It's one o'clockBir soat
  [beer soh-AHT]
• Half past (10)O'n yarim
  [ohn yah-REEM]
• MorningErtalab
  [ehr-TAH-lahb]
• AfternoonTushlik
  [toosh-LEEK]
• EveningKechki
  [kehch-KEE]
• YesterdayKecha
  [keh-chah]
• TodayBugun
  [boo-GOON]
• TomorrowErtaga
  [ehr-TAH-gah]
• 1Bir
  [beer]
• 2Ikki
  [EEK-kee]
• 3Uch
  [ooch]
• 4To'rt
  [tohrt]
• 5Besh
  [besh]
• 6Olti
  [ohl-tee]
• 7Yeti
  [yeh-tee]
• 8Sakkiz
  [sahk-KEEZ]
• 9To'qqiz
  [toh-KKEEZ]
• 10O'n
  [ohn]

• Where's a/the...?...qayerda?
  [kah-YEHR-dah]
• What's the address?Manzili nima?
  [mahn-ZEE-lee nee-MAH]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Menga ko'rsatingiz mumkinmi?
  [MEHN-gah kohr-SAH-teen-geez moom-KEEN-mee]
• When's the next (bus)?Keyingi (avtobus) qachon?
  [keh-YEENG-ee ahv-toh-BOOS kah-CHOHN]
• A ticket (to ....)Bilet (.... ga)
  [bee-LEHT (gah)]

Khiva's origins trace back to ancient times, with some legends suggesting it was founded by Shem, the son of Noah. Historical records indicate that Khiva was established as early as the 6th century CE, serving as a vital oasis on the Silk Road. This strategic location made Khiva a crucial trading and cultural hub, attracting merchants, scholars, and travelers from across the world.

In the 12th century, Khiva became a prominent city within the Khwarezmian Empire. The empire, known for its rich culture and advanced scientific knowledge, saw Khiva flourish as a center of learning and commerce. However, this period of prosperity faced a brutal end when the Mongol invasion led by Genghis Khan swept through the region in the early 13th century, resulting in significant destruction.

By the 16th century, Khiva had risen again as the capital of the Khanate of Khiva. This era saw the construction of many of Khiva's iconic architectural marvels, including the fortified inner city, Itchan Kala. The khanate was known for its vibrant cultural life and strategic political significance, but it also faced continuous threats from rival powers and internal strife.

In the 19th century, Khiva became a focal point of the Great Game, the strategic rivalry between the British Empire and the Russian Empire. The Russian Empire eventually succeeded in capturing Khiva in 1873, leading to significant political and social changes. Although the khanate retained a degree of autonomy, Russian influence permeated various aspects of life in Khiva, including architecture, education, and governance.

Following the Bolshevik Revolution, Khiva became part of the Soviet Union in 1924. This period brought about sweeping reforms, including the abolition of the khanate and the establishment of Soviet-style governance. Traditional practices and religious institutions were suppressed, while modern infrastructure and education systems were introduced. Despite these changes, Khiva managed to preserve much of its historical and cultural heritage.

In 1990, the historic inner city of Khiva, Itchan Kala, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition highlighted the city's unique architectural and cultural significance, featuring well-preserved examples of Islamic architecture, including palaces, mosques, madrasahs, and mausoleums. The UNESCO designation has helped to protect and promote Khiva's rich heritage, attracting tourists and scholars from around the globe.

Khiva is located in the Khorezm Region of Uzbekistan. The closest airport is Urgench International Airport, approximately 35 kilometers away. From Urgench, you can take a taxi or a bus to Khiva, which typically takes around 30 to 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can reach Khiva by train from Tashkent or Bukhara, with Urgench being the nearest railway station. From Urgench, taxis and buses are readily available to complete the journey to Khiva.

Khiva is a compact city, and many of its attractions are within the walled Itchan Kala, making it convenient to explore on foot. For destinations outside the old city, local taxis are a practical option. Public buses and minibuses (marshrutkas) operate within Khiva and connect to nearby towns. Bicycles can also be rented for a unique way to explore the area.

The official currency in Uzbekistan is the Uzbekistani Som (UZS). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available in Khiva, but it is a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash in major cities like Tashkent or Bukhara before arriving in Khiva to ensure you have enough funds.

Khiva is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is recommended to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Khiva does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always a good practice.

In case of emergency, dial 103 for medical assistance and 102 for the police. The local hospital and medical clinics in Khiva are equipped to handle minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering mosques and mausoleums. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Khiva like a local, visit the local bazaars where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Uzbek goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the architectural wonders within Itchan Kala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a unique experience, attend a local cultural performance featuring traditional music and dance.