Pakhlavan Mahmud Mausoleum

Pakhlavan Mahmud lived in Khiva in the late 13th and early 14th century. He is remembered as a furrier by trade, a champion wrestler and a poet, and he became the town's patron saint. People still come to his grave to pray, especially couples before or after a wedding.

The present shrine was rebuilt and enlarged in the 19th century, when the khans chose it as their family burial place. Its turquoise dome is the largest in Itchan Kala. Inside, the walls of the main chamber are covered in blue and white tiles with dense floral patterns and inscriptions, including verses by Pakhlavan Mahmud himself.

The small courtyard has a well whose water is believed to bring strength. Keep your voice low inside, as most visitors are pilgrims.