About
The Kalta Minor Minaret stands in Itchan Kala, the walled old town of Khiva in the Khorezm Region of Uzbekistan. It is an unfinished 19th-century minaret, covered in turquoise glazed tiles, and it is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the city. Its rounded, stout form and bright blue surface make it easy to spot from many points within the old town.
What to expect
The minaret was originally planned to be the tallest minaret in the Islamic world. It was never completed, and that unfinished state is part of what gives it its character. Visitors come to look at the tiled surface and the scale of the structure, and to photograph it against the sky and the surrounding old-town streets.
- Kind of visit: a short stop to see a landmark, usually as part of a walk through the old town.
- Setting: Itchan Kala, Khiva, Khorezm Region, Uzbekistan.
- Also known as: Kalta-Minor.
Around the minaret
Because the minaret sits inside Itchan Kala, it is easy to combine with other sights in the same compact area. Walking the old town's lanes gives a sense of how the city was built within its walls, and the minaret is a useful reference point while you explore. Plan your visit with the current local information for the site, as conditions and access can change.
