The Timeless Magic of Itchan Kala

• HelloSalom
  [sah-lom]
• GoodbyeXayr
  [khayr]
• YesHa
  [ha]
• NoYo'q
  [yoq]
• Please/You're welcomeIltimos
  [il-tee-mos]
• Thank youRahmat
  [rah-maht]
• Excuse me/SorryKechirasiz
  [keh-chee-rah-siz]
• How are you?Qalaysiz?
  [kah-lahy-siz]
• Fine. And you?Yaxshi. Sizcha?
  [yahk-shee. seez-chah]
• Do you speak English?Inglizcha gapirasizmi?
  [ing-leez-chah gah-pee-rah-siz-mee]
• I don't understandTushunmadim
  [too-shoon-mah-deem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenu ni ko'rishni istar edim, iltimos
  [meh-noo nee koh-reesh-nee ees-tar eh-deem, il-tee-mos]
• I don't eat meatMen go'sht yemayman
  [men goh-sht ye-mai-mahn]
• Cheers!Salomatliklar!
  [sah-loh-maht-leek-lar]
• I would like to pay, pleaseTo'lashni istar edim, iltimos
  [toh-lahsh-nee ees-tar eh-deem, il-tee-mos]

• Help!Yordam!
  [yor-dahm]
• Go away!Uzoqqa bor!
  [oo-zohk-kah bor]
• 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 lostMen yo'qolganman
  [men yoq-ol-gahn-mahn]
• I'm illMen kasallanganman
  [men kah-sahl-lahn-gahn-mahn]

• I'd like to buy...Sotib olmoqchiman...
  [soh-teeb ol-mohch-ee-mahn]
• I'm just lookingMen faqat ko'z qarashni istar edim
  [men fah-kaht kohz kah-rahsh-nee ees-tar eh-deem]
• 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?Narxni pastga tushurishingiz mumkinmi?
  [na-rkh-nee pahst-gah too-shoo-reesh-ing-eez moo-meen-mee]

• What time is it?Saat necha?
  [saht neh-chah]
• It's one o'clockBir soat
  [beer soh-aht]
• Half past (10)O'ng to'rt
  [oh-ng toh-rt]
• MorningErtalab
  [ehr-tah-lahb]
• AfternoonKecha
  [keh-chah]
• EveningKechki
  [kehch-kee]
• YesterdayKecha
  [keh-chah]
• TodayBugun
  [boo-goon]
• TomorrowErtaga
  [ehr-tah-gah]
• 1Bir
  [beer]
• 2Ikki
  [eek-kee]
• 3Uch
  [ooch]
• 4To'rt
  [toh-rt]
• 5Besh
  [behsh]
• 6Olti
  [ohl-tee]
• 7Yetti
  [yet-tee]
• 8Sakkiz
  [sahk-keez]
• 9To'qqiz
  [toh-qqeesh]
• 10O'n
  [ohn]

• Where's a/the...?...qayerda?
  [kah-yehr-dah]
• What's the address?Manzil qanday?
  [mahz-eel kahn-dai]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Meni (xaritada) ko'rsatingiz mumkinmi?
  [meh-nee khah-ree-tah-dah kohr-saht-eeng-eez moo-meen-mee]
• When's the next (bus)?Keyinchi (avtobus) qachon?
  [keh-yin-chee av-toh-boos kah-chohn]
• A ticket (to ....)Bir bilet (....ga)
  [beer bee-let gah]

Itchan Kala, the inner fortress of Khiva, has its origins dating back to the 10th century when it emerged as a significant center along the Silk Road. Its strategic position allowed it to flourish as a hub for trade, culture, and architecture, attracting merchants and travelers from across Asia and beyond.

In the 16th century, Itchan Kala became the political and cultural heart of the Khiva Khanate. As the khanate expanded, the inner city was fortified, leading to the construction of impressive defensive walls and gates. This period saw the development of many architectural masterpieces, including the Tash Khauli Palace and the Islam Khodja Minaret.

The 19th century marked a golden age for Itchan Kala, with a significant increase in cultural and artistic activities. Notable madrasas and mosques were built, such as the Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasa, which became the largest in Central Asia. The city was recognized for its unique blend of Persian and Central Asian architectural styles.

In the late 19th century, Itchan Kala faced a new era of change with the Russian Empire's conquest of Khiva in 1873. Despite the imposition of a protectorate, the city retained much of its cultural identity. Russian influence introduced new architectural styles and urban planning concepts while also leading to increased trade and interaction with the outside world.

In 1990, Itchan Kala was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its historical significance and well-preserved architecture. This designation has helped promote conservation efforts, attracting international attention and tourism to Khiva, while emphasizing the importance of preserving its rich cultural heritage for future generations.

Itchan Kala is located in the heart of Khiva, easily accessible by foot from other neighborhoods within the city. If arriving from the Khiva train station, take a taxi or a local minibus (marshrutka) that will drop you off near the main entrance to Itchan Kala. For those coming in from Urgench Airport, taxis are available for a direct route to Khiva, typically taking around 40 minutes.

Itchan Kala is a pedestrian-friendly area, and most attractions can be explored on foot. Bicycles are available for rent at various locations, providing a fun way to navigate the narrow streets. There are no trains or buses within the walls of Itchan Kala, but local taxis can be used for trips outside the area.

Itchan Kala is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions are advisable. Petty crime can occur, particularly pickpocketing in crowded areas. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated sections, especially near the outskirts of the old city. Always keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 102 for police assistance or 103 for medical emergencies. The nearest hospital is located just outside Itchan Kala, and pharmacies can be found within the area for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers emergency medical services.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions; cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do greet fellow passengers politely; Don't eat or drink in public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a handshake, and a slight bow is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes, and accept food offerings graciously; Don't refuse hospitality as it may be seen as impolite.

To experience Itchan Kala like a local, visit the bazaars to sample traditional foods and shop for handicrafts. Engage with local artisans and ask questions about their crafts. Attend local cultural performances if available, and don't hesitate to ask locals for recommendations on hidden gems in the area.