Kalta Minor Minaret
Xorazm
Kalta Minor Minaret, located in Khiva, Uzbekistan, is a striking and unfinished minaret famous for its vibrant glazed tile decoration in shades of turquoise, white, and green. Commissioned by Muhammad Amin Bahadur Khan in the mid-19th century, it was intended to be the tallest minaret in the Muslim world, surpassing even the Qutb Minar in India. Construction began in 1852 but halted abruptly in 1855 at a height of 29 meters following the death of Muhammad Amin Khan in battle. Despite its incompleteness, the minaret is celebrated for its unique geometric tile patterns and poetic inscriptions by the Khiva poet Muhammad Riza Ogahi, some of which were restored after Uzbekistan's independence. The minaret stands prominently in front of the Muhammad Amin Khan madrasa and remains a symbol of Khiva's architectural heritage and artistic craftsmanship. Visitors can climb the wooden staircase inside to reach the second floor, enjoying views of the intricate tile work up close. Kalta Minor’s blend of history, poetry, and vivid decoration makes it a captivating site for travelers interested in Central Asian culture and Islamic architecture.
Planifiez votre voyage en Ouzbékistan avec l'IA
Créez un itinéraire détaillé en quelques minutes. L'IA suggère les meilleurs endroits, restaurants et un itinéraire optimisé.
Astuce: The best time to visit Kalta Minor Minaret is during the cooler months of spring and autumn to avoid the intense summer heat. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance during peak tourist seasons. Modest discounts may be available for students and seniors. The wooden staircase inside has been repaired multiple times, but visitors should exercise caution when climbing. Guided tours often provide rich historical context and insights into the poetic inscriptions and tile work.
Faits intéressants
- •Kalta Minor was intended to surpass the height of the Qutb Minar in India, which stands at 73 meters.
- •It is the only minaret entirely covered with glazed tiles, featuring white, green, and turquoise colors.
- •The minaret features 12 of the 16 historical verses of poetry by Muhammad Riza Ogahi, a Khiva poet and historian.
- •The wooden staircase inside the minaret has been frequently repaired to maintain visitor access.
- •The poetic inscriptions were restored based on manuscripts after being damaged during Soviet rule.
Histoire
The construction of Kalta Minor Minaret began in 1852 under the orders of Muhammad Amin Bahadur Khan, the ruler of the Khiva Khanate, who aimed to build the tallest minaret in the Muslim world.
The planned height was between 70 and 80 meters, with some sources suggesting up to 110 meters.
However, construction stopped in 1855 when the minaret reached only 29 meters, due to the death of Muhammad Amin Khan in a battle near Sarakhs.
The minaret remained unfinished but became notable for its unique tile decoration and poetic inscriptions.
During Soviet times, many of the inscriptions were damaged but were restored after Uzbekistan gained independence, preserving the site's cultural legacy.
Guide du lieu
Exterior Tile Decoration1852-1855
The minaret is renowned for its extensive use of glazed tiles in turquoise, white, and green, arranged in intricate geometric patterns that cover the entire structure, making it unique among Islamic minarets.
Wooden Staircase InteriorMid-19th century, repaired multiple times
Inside the minaret, a wooden staircase leads visitors up to the second floor, allowing close-up views of the tile patterns and inscriptions. The staircase has undergone multiple repairs to ensure safety and accessibility.
Poetic Inscriptions by Muhammad Riza OgahiMid-19th century
Several verses from the Khiva poet and historian Muhammad Riza Ogahi are inscribed on glazed tiles on the minaret, including poetic dates for the minaret's completion and metaphoric comparisons to paradise.
Contact
Téléphone: 62 375 24 55