The Enchanting Charm of Dishan Kala, Khiva

• HelloСалом
  [Salom]
• GoodbyeХайр
  [Hayr]
• YesҲа
  [Ha]
• NoЙўқ
  [Yoʻq]
• Please/You're welcomeИшончингиз учун
  [Ishonchingiz uchun]
• Thank youРаҳмат
  [Rahmat]
• Excuse me/SorryУзр
  [Uzr]
• How are you?Нимасиз?
  [Nimasiz?]
• Fine. And you?Жуда хучрайман. Сиз?
  [Juda huchrayman. Siz?]
• Do you speak English?Инглизча сўзлайсизми?
  [Ingilizcha so'zlaysizmi?]
• I don't understandМени тушунмадим
  [Meni tushunmadim]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseМенюни кўришни истайман, илтимос
  [Menyuni ko'rishni istayman, iltimos]
• I don't eat meatМен гўсht йемайман
  [Men go'sht yemayman]
• Cheers!Сайёҳлар билан!
  [Sayyohlar bilan!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseТўловни истайман, илтимос
  [Tolovni istayman, iltimos]

• Help!Ёрдам!
  [Yordam!]
• Go away!Ётинг!
  [Yoting!]
• Call the Police!Полицияни чақиринг!
  [Politsiyani chaqiring!]
• Call a doctor!Докторни чақиринг!
  [Doktorni chaqiring!]
• I'm lostМен қайсиман
  [Men qaysiman]
• I'm illМен касалман
  [Men kasalman]

• I'd like to buy...Сотиб олишни истайман...
  [Sotib olishni istayman...]
• I'm just lookingФақат кўриб чиқармоқдаман
  [Faqat ko'rib chiqarmoqdaman]
• How much is it?Бу қанча?
  [Bu qancha?]
• That's too expensiveБу жуда қиммат
  [Bu juda qimmat]
• Can you lower the price?Нархни тўғрийапсизми?
  [Narxni to'g'riyapsizmi?]

• What time is it?Соат қандай?
  [Soat qanday?]
• It's one o'clockБир соат
  [Bir soat]
• Half past (10)Оннинг орти
  [Onning orti]
• MorningТун
  [Tun]
• AfternoonКеча
  [Kecha]
• EveningКеч
  [Kech]
• YesterdayКеча
  [Kecha]
• TodayБугун
  [Bugun]
• TomorrowЭртага
  [Ertaga]
• 1Бир
  [Bir]
• 2Икки
  [Ikki]
• 3Уч
  [Uch]
• 4Тўрт
  [To'rt]
• 5Беш
  [Besh]
• 6Олтө
  [Oltö]
• 7Еттө
  [Ettö]
• 8Саккиз
  [Sakkiz]
• 9Тўққиз
  [To'qqiz]
• 10Он
  [On]

• Where's a/the...?Бир...
  [Bir...]
• What's the address?Манзили қандай?
  [Manzili qanday?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Харитада кўрсатингизми?
  [Xaritada korsatingizmi?]
• When's the next (bus)?Кейинги (автобус) қачон?
  [Keyingi (avtobus) qachon?]
• A ticket (to ....)Билет (... га)
  [Bilet (... ga)]

Dishan Kala, which translates to 'Outer Fortress', was established in the early 19th century as a defensive structure surrounding the older Itchan Kala, or 'Inner Fortress'. This expansion was crucial for the protection of Khiva from external threats, particularly during the turbulent times of invasions and power struggles in Central Asia.

Throughout the 19th century, Dishan Kala became a hub for architectural innovation, showcasing a blend of Persian and Turkic styles. Structures such as the Tash Khauli Palace were built during this period, highlighting the aesthetic and functional aspects of the neighborhood's design. The intricate tile work and monumental gates are testaments to the craftsmanship of Khiva's artisans.

Dishan Kala has historically served as a cultural melting pot, where various ethnic groups and traders converged. The neighborhood's bazaars were lively centers of commerce, where goods from across the Silk Road were exchanged. This interaction fostered a rich tapestry of cultural influences, evident in the neighborhood's traditions, cuisine, and festivals.

In the late 19th century, with the arrival of Russian influence in Central Asia, Dishan Kala experienced significant changes. The Russian Empire's interest in the region led to modernization efforts, including the introduction of new infrastructure and urban planning concepts. These changes, while sometimes at odds with local traditions, ultimately contributed to the evolution of the neighborhood.

Following independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Dishan Kala faced challenges related to urban decay and the need for preservation. However, recent efforts have focused on restoring its historical architecture and promoting tourism. The neighborhood is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, emphasizing its importance in preserving the cultural heritage of Khiva and Central Asia.

Dishan Kala is accessible from other neighborhoods in Khiva, primarily from Ichon Kala, which is the main tourist area. You can easily walk between the two neighborhoods, as they are adjacent to each other. If you are coming from the Khiva bus station, local taxis are available for hire, typically costing around 10,000 UZS. Alternatively, you can take a horse-drawn carriage (drawn by 'araba') for a unique experience, though it may be pricier.

Dishan Kala is best explored on foot due to its compact size and pedestrian-friendly alleys. Bicycles are also available for rent in Khiva, allowing for a leisurely exploration of the area. Local taxis can be flagged down if you wish to travel farther afield. However, public transportation options like buses are limited within the neighborhood itself.

Dishan Kala is generally a safe neighborhood for tourists. However, like in any tourist destination, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone late at night in less populated areas. Pay special attention to your belongings in crowded places, especially near popular tourist sites. While there are no specific high-crime areas in Dishan Kala, it is advisable to stay aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 103 for medical assistance and 102 for police. The nearest hospital is located in the Ichon Kala area. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers health emergencies. For minor issues, there are several pharmacies in the vicinity where you can find basic medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques or other religious sites. Avoid revealing clothing. Religion: Do be respectful of local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes when entering a mosque. Public Transport: Do give up your seat to elderly passengers if using a taxi. Don’t eat or drink in public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a warm smile and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offers graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Dishan Kala like a local, visit the artisan workshops where you can see traditional crafts being made, such as pottery and carpet weaving. Engage with locals, many of whom are eager to share stories about their crafts and heritage. Don’t miss the local bazaars for authentic souvenirs. Additionally, try to learn a few phrases in Uzbek; locals appreciate when tourists make an effort to communicate in their language.

When visiting Dishan Kala, be mindful of cultural norms. Always greet people politely and maintain a respectful demeanor, especially in religious settings. Photography is generally permitted, but always ask for permission when taking pictures of people, particularly women. Additionally, during the holy month of Ramadan, be respectful of fasting practices, particularly in public spaces.