About
The Pakhlavan Mahmud Mausoleum stands in Itchan Kala, the walled old town of Khiva in the Khorezm Region of Uzbekistan. It is the tomb of Pakhlavan Mahmud, a 14th-century poet and wrestler who is revered as the patron saint of Khiva, and it remains a place of pilgrimage for many visitors.
What to expect
The mausoleum is known for its beautiful tilework, which covers its walls and dome in patterned glazed tiles. Its small rooms and courtyard give a quiet, reflective atmosphere, and many people come here to pay their respects rather than only to look at the architecture.
Visiting
- Location: Itchan Kala, Khiva, Khorezm Region, Uzbekistan
- Type of visit: a historic monument and pilgrimage site
- Best combined with: a walk through the rest of Itchan Kala's streets, lanes and historic buildings
Because the mausoleum sits within the old town, it fits naturally into a half-day or longer exploration of Khiva's historic centre. Visitors interested in Uzbekistan's Islamic heritage and the figures honoured across the region will find it a meaningful stop.
