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Nurullabai Palace

The last palace of the Khiva khans, in the outer town, where local carved wood and tiles meet European stoves, chandeliers and mirrors.

EnsemblesEarly 20th centuryAbout 45 minutes to see

About the place

This palace was built in the early 20th century in Dishan Kala, the outer town, on land that had belonged to a wealthy merchant named Nurullabai. It was intended for the heir to the throne and used for receiving guests, including Russian officials.

The rooms show the mixed tastes of the late khanate. Painted and carved ceilings by Khiva craftsmen sit above tiled stoves, parquet floors and glass ordered from Russia and Europe. The reception hall is the most elaborate, with gilded decoration.

Because it lies outside the main tourist route, the palace is often quiet. It is a short walk from Tosh Darvoza, the south gate of Itchan Kala.

Sources (1)

  1. 1.Wikidata

Nearby

  • Dishan KalaFortresses

    Under 1 km away

    Dishan Kala

    The outer town of Khiva, once enclosed by a long earthen wall built in the 1840s; stretches of it survive among houses and gardens.

  • Kunya-ArkFortresses

    Under 1 km awayUNESCO World Heritage

    Kunya-Ark

    The khans' citadel inside Itchan Kala, with a tiled summer mosque, a reception hall, a former mint and a watchtower over the old town.

  • Ota Darvoza (West Gate)Fortresses

    Under 1 km awayUNESCO World Heritage

    Ota Darvoza (West Gate)

    The west gate of Khiva's Itchan Kala, built in 1828–1829 under Allakuli Khan and the main way into the walled town, between the Kunya Ark and the Muhammad Amin Khan madrasa.

  • Itchan Kala walls and gatesFortresses

    Under 1 km awayUNESCO World Heritage

    Itchan Kala walls and gates

    Thick mud-brick walls with rounded towers that ring the inner town of Khiva, entered through four gates facing the four directions.